On Thursday 23 September over 10,000 people protested in Jakarta against the
new Indonesian State Security Bill.
Demonstrations continued into Friday, despite frequent police attacks.
The police shot at the demonstrators, and attacked them with baton charges,
rubber bullets and tear gas.
At least three demonstrators were killed. Many more demonstrators were
seriously injured.
The demonstration was organised by Indonesian independent trade unions,
students and journalists fighting for democratic rights. This demonstration
followed smaller demonstrations against the State Security Bill on Tuesday
and Wednesday.
Following the demonstrations the Indonesian parliament has suspended
progress in implementing the State Security Bill.
The State Security Bill is intended to grant the Indonesian military (TNI)
unlimited authority in a state of emergency.
The criteria for imposing a state of emergency is left open to
interpretation by the Indonesian President and TNI.
The bill allows for incarceration without trial and the abolition of press
freedoms. It resembles the subversion law of 1963, revoked last year in the
wake of Suharto's resignation in May 1998.
TNI is attempting to rebuild its command position in politics before the new
parliament is seated on October 1.
The Indonesian military is not voluntarily divesting itself of its political
power, as most Indonesians had hoped.
It is important to support the workers and students who are fighting against
military repression.
Defend the rights of the East Timorese people who expressed their wish for
national self-determination.
Defend the displaced East Timorese refugees.
Support the Indonesian students fighting for democratic rights.
Support the Indonesian trade unions SBSI and FNPBI that have recognised the
East Timorese people's rights to national self-determination, and who are
fighting against military repression.
Send messages of solidarity to:
SERIKAT BURUH SEJAHTERA INDONESIA (SBSI)
International Department, Indonesian Prosperity Trade Union
Jalan Pemuda No 289, Jakarta 13220, Indonesia
Tel: 62 21 472 1618 fax: 62 21 470 7416
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
FRONT NASIONAL PERJUANGAN BURUH INDONESIA (FNPBI )
NATIONAL FRONT OF INDONESIAN WORKERS STRUGGLE
Tel / Fax: 62 21 7 888 1545
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
***
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