Indonesian activists disappear as protests spread
By Max Lane
Anti-government demonstrations continue in Indonesia despite the military's declaration that it will suppress any protests that take place before the March 6-11 sitting of the People's Consultative Assembly.
At least two activists have disappeared in recent weeks. Pius Lustrilanang, secretary-general of the student-based group, People's Democratic Alliance (ALDERA), which is linked to the student pro-democracy group, Pijar, disappeared on February 4.
Pius is also secretary of SIAGA, Indonesian Solidarity for Amien and Mega, which organised protests outside parliament in recent weeks.
Desmond Mahesa, head of the Nusantara Legal Aid Institute, disappeared on February 3.
More than 100 people were arrested on February 10 during a demonstration organised by the Red and White Banner group outside the Bank of Indonesia.
Students from the University of Indonesia rallied on February 25 and 26 on the grounds of the university. The demonstration on February 26 swelled to about 3000 at its peak.
The students' banners called for lower prices, the eradication of corrupt, collusive and manipulative practices, for the people to hold power and for Suharto to be brought to account.
The rally ended peacefully despite large numbers of troops being on site and a police helicopter circling above.
According to Sastro, an activist from the People's Democratic Party who spoke to Green Left Weekly by phone from Jakarta, the University of Indonesia demonstration was very significant in that the students also carried banners declaring their total loss of confidence in the New Order.
"Because of the role of UI students in backing Suharto in 1965, UI has always been known as the 'New Order Campus'. This time students carried a banner declaring UI 'Campus of the people's struggle'."
In another major university city, Yogyakarta, students organized a peaceful rally calling on the people to "overthrow Suharto". Several students have been on a hunger strike in the grounds of Gajah Mada State University in solidarity with the wave of protests against the massive price rises for basic commodities.
"Armed or violent confrontations between the poor and the authorities are occurring with increasing frequency", said Sastro.