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Subject: RT: new law governing demos
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1998 10:45:23 -0400
From: "John M. Miller" <etan@etan.org>
Indonesia issues law governing demonstrations
JAKARTA, July 25 (Reuters) - Indonesia has issued a law governing where and when street demonstrations can be held, the official Antara news agency reported on Saturday.
It said President B.J. Habibie signed the decree on freedom of expression on Friday.
Under the law, groups planning street demonstrations have to ask for police permission three days in advance if the number of demonstrators is likely to exceed 50.
Demonstrations are banned in front of the presidential palace, places of worship, military installations, hospitals, harbours, airports, train stations and other transport hubs.
Demonstrations are also banned on public holidays and after dusk.
Antara quoted Justice Minister Muladi as saying the law was issued because of a series of protests in recent months which often got out of control.
Indonesia has been in ferment for several months in the midst of a deepening economic crisis. Long-ruling president Suharto resigned in May after widespread protests against his rule and riots in which about 1,200 people were killed.
Many groups have continued to hold protests against the government since then, demanding that Habibie resign and call elections.
Habibie has said parliamentary elections will be held in mid-1999 and presidential elections before the end of that year.