Khairul Ikhwan, Medan – The G8 Forum Ministerial Level Meeting that is taking place in Hokkaido, Japan, has been condemned by student groups in the North Sumatra provincial capital of Medan.

Scores of students from the Medan City National Students Front (FMN) declared their disagreement with the G8 Forum by holding a protest action at the Japanese Consulate General on Jl. Cut Nyak Dien on Monday July 7.

During the action, students expressed their opposition to and condemned the 34th meeting of the G8 countries that will take pace in Hokkaido on July 7-9. They also accused the G8 meeting of only aiming to exploit and drain the blood of the people in countries colonised (sic) by Japan, including Indonesia.

For this reason, the students also condemned President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s (SBY) plan to attend the meeting. “Will SBY’s presence reflect the sovereignty of the Indonesian people?” said Ricard, one of the students.

Although the action proceeded in an orderly manner, the protest at the Consulate General was tightly guarded by police. No consulate representatives would agree to meet with a delegation of students and after the protest ended, they disbanded in an orderly fashion. (rul/djo)

[Translated by James Balowski.]