Pro and anti SBY groups set to rally Wednesday
Bagus BT Saragih, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Tue, 10/19/2010 9:03 PM
Activists and demonstrators both from government critics and supporters have been scheduled to hold rallies on Oct. 20, which will mark the end of the first year of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s second term in office.
National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Iskandar Hasan said Tuesday at least 1,000 demonstrators would rally in several places across Jakarta.
The Presidential and Vice-presidential Palaces are set to be the places with the most demonstrators, according to police data.
“About 750 people are registered to rally at the palaces, mostly from government supporters,” Iskandar told a press conference at the National Police headquarters in South Jakarta.
He claimed the police were ready to prevent clashes as government protesters had also been registered to rally at both places.
Police data recorded 100 activists from the People’s Independence Movement and 50 from the Fortress of Peoples Democracy (Bendera) are set to rally at the Palaces.
Beside these two palaces, demonstrators are also said to be holding a rally at the Supreme Court, the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, and the Manpower and Transmigration Ministry.
Iskandar suggested that Jakartans stay calm despite the massive rally plans. “We guarantee Jakarta will be secure [Wednesday]. Please conduct your daily business as usual,” he said.
