By Sarah Peart
Student organisations and activist groups in Australia have responded to the recent crackdown on student activists in Indonesia by calling a national day of protest on April 24.
The feature of the protests will be a national demonstration outside the Indonesian embassy in Canberra to demand "Stop supporting the dictator Suharto", "End the crackdown" and "Free the political prisoners".
The crackdown has been aimed especially at members of Student Solidarity for Democracy in Indonesia (SMID) and the People's Democratic Party (PRD). Both organisations have been central to organising popular protest and demands for democracy in Indonesia. Both are now banned.
The military has focused on preventing students from taking their message to other sections of the population, attacking most viciously when student demonstrations have attempted to leave university campuses.
The military is now starting to apply the methods it has used for years in East Timor. In the last two weeks, 60 Indonesians have "disappeared" (see article on page 20).
Student activists in Lampung report that since the large student demonstrations began two weeks ago, surveillance by plain-clothed military intelligence officers has increased dramatically. The situation is similar across the country, and it seems that the crackdown will escalate.
Speaking at the media conference at which the April 24 national demonstration was announced, Resistance member and Sydney University Student Representative Council vice-president Marina Carman said, "Australian students should protest not only against injustices facing us directly, but also for the rights of the students in Indonesia who are demanding democracy and human rights".
Student rallies around Australia on April 1 against the Howard government's attacks on higher education passed motions of support for the Indonesian students, and many student organisations have already pledged support for the April 24 action. These include the students' associations of the University of Canberra and the Australian National University, and the National Union of Students, both nationally and in NSW. More student organisations are expected to follow suit.
Resistance national coordinator Sean Healy told Green Left Weekly: "Resistance initiated this national demonstration when we heard how far the situation has escalated in Indonesia. The entire student movement in Australia has to voice its condemnation of our brothers and sisters in Indonesia being arrested, attacked, tortured and disappeared.
"This national demonstration, and other solidarity initiatives locally and internationally, will have a real impact on the ability of the Indonesian democracy movement to survive and succeed."
The national day of action will also target the Australian government — from the Indonesian embassy the demonstration will march to Parliament House. "The Howard government", said Healy, "is complicit in this crackdown. Through its diplomatic, financial, military and political support for Suharto, it is bolstering the most brutal regime in south-east Asia. This has to stop."
The organisers plan to bus people from Victoria and NSW for the Canberra demonstration. Solidarity actions are also being planned in other cities.
To endorse the demonstrations, offer assistance or find out about transport to Canberra, telephone (02) 9690 1230 or your local Resistance Centre (see page 2).