Indra Shalihinl, Jakarta – Don’t try to hold a demonstration during the Asia Africa Conference because Jakarta must look beautiful. And because conference delegates wanted to pass by, anti-conference demonstrators who had just arrived at the Hotel Indonesia roundabout in Central Jakarta were immediately removed by police and escorted to a less visible area.

The incident occurred at around 12noon on Thursday April 21 when some 20 demonstrators from the Civil Society Alliance had just arrived at the roundabout. Before they had a chance to give speeches, dozens of police who are usually parked in and around the heart of Jakarta immediately waylaid them.

One of the offices asked them not to hold the demonstration there because there would be a delegation of international guest who would be passing by. The demonstrators who were outnumbered by police did as they were ordered. They were escorted to a location at the back of the Nikko Hotel around 100 meters from the Hotel Indonesia, which was not visible from the Hotel Indonesia roundabout.

As they were being escorted by police, the demonstrators held up posters which read “SBY is neo-imperialist” and “SBY-JK, Hidayat-Laksono are lackeys of the US”1. Some of the demonstrators carried guitars and tambourines.

After the demonstrators had been cleared away, wouldn’t you know it, another group of some 15 farmers suddenly appeared. Once again, police removed them. Ten minutes after the demonstrators had been cleaned away a delegation from the Asia Africa Conference went by accompanied by a long escort and the sound of wailing sirens. And the delegation was free to enjoy the dance of the Hotel Indonesia roundabout fountain. (nrl)

Notes:

1. SBY – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, JK – Vice-president Jusuf Kalla, People’s Consultative Assembly speaker Hidayat Nurwahid, People’s Representative Assembly speaker Agung Laksono.

[Translated by James Balowski.]