GOVERNOR ASKS DEMONSTRATORS NOT TO DISRUPT OTHERS' ACTIVITIES

Jakarta, Jan 26 (ANTARA) - Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo here on Tuesday asked people who would join rallies on January 28 not to disrupt other people's activities.
"We respect the right to exercise freedom of expression but we also have to respect the rights of others. Others may have different political or legal views or have no interest in the debate so far or only want to conduct their routine activities in the city like looking for livelihood as drivers and those who come to the city to meet with business partners and others. We must also respect them," he said.

Demonstrators plan to take to the streets on Thursday to mark the completion of the first 100 days of the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

The governor called on the demonstrators claimed to reach 20,000 not to disturb others who do not want to join in the action by, for example, not becoming anarchic.

"We need to assure orderliness in the city. We must respect the rights of the public and assure that they are not hurt for the sake of our political interest. Let us show that we are a nation that can practice democracy well and respect the rights of others," he said.

The governor said all public services would open as usual on January 28.

"What is also clear is that no instruction has been issued for public servants to take part in demonstration. We have an obligation to serve the people as usual. We may not ignore the service," he said.

With regard to city administration police members who would participate in security maintenance, he said they must not be understood as anti-demonstrators but they are there to carry out their duties, namely assuring the security of the public.

The chief of the city administration police, Harianto Badjoeri, meanwhile said he had made all his personnel in Central Jakarta totalling 3,000 to 4,000 ready to help maintain the security during the demonstration.

"Besides police from Central Jakarta, there are also some from other regions. Their task is helping the police but the most important thing is protecting the city administration's assets," he said.

Security efforts will be focussed on the National Monument Square or Monas where the demonstrators would gather. He said all hawkers would be banned from entering the area.

"Hawkers will be banned. Every time a demonstration takes place the area becomes dirty because hawkers also operate there. In that case who will be held responsible," he said.

He said the garbage after a demonstration could reach ten to 18 truckloads while the demonstration to be held on Thursday would take place in several areas.