INDONESIAN troops and police took swift and sharp action to break up anti government demonstrations yesterday and prevent a return to a day of rioting on Saturday the worst in 20 years. But smaller protests suggested that authorities still face a mood of restless defiance to the 30 year old regime of President Suharto.
A small crowd of perhaps 100 to 209 youths formed in Jakarta, shouting anti government slogans near the scene of Saturday's rampage which was ignited by a police attack on the headquarters of the Indonesian Democratic to evict followers of the popular leader, Ms Megawati Sukarnoputri.
But yesterday riot police, venting the frustration and fatigue of recent days, quickly chased the protesters away, angrily beating, kicking and punching many of those they caught. A score or more people were arrested yesterday, in addition to 176 reportedly seized the day before.
In a further warning of the authorities' tougher approach, troops and riot police, armed only with canes and batons on Saturday, were yesterday carrying automatic weapons. No shooting occurred, however.
Marines deployed along the avenue where rioters on Saturday torched a government ministry and several other businesses, displayed cool restraint, at one point allowing a march by youths shouting pro Megawati slogans and some flattering the marines.
The armed forces commander, Gen Faisal Tanjung, blamed the rioting on "irresponsible people and groups whose actions are directed to a kind of anarchy".
Others echoed the view aired by a former student activist turned businessman that the attack on Ms Megawati's PDI group was only a spark that ignited long pent up frustration with Gen Suharto's 30 year old New Order "The bottom line is that people want new things."
Disturbances so far have been confined to one area of the capital and authorities will be watching carefully for any signs of protest igniting in other cities. "The basic strategy is to let people let off steam and bank on inertia [setting in]," said one Jakarta analyst close to the military.
In comments that may contribute to such an outcome Ms Megawati yesterday expressed regret at Saturday's rioting, blamed criminals for the destruction and appealed to her followers to stay calm. I feel very sad," she said. "We really did not want what happened yesterday."
Ms Megawati has no plans to hold public rallies or meetings, her adviser Mr Kwik Kian Gie, reported. He said she will concentrate her efforts on a court action challenging the legality of an army organised PDI congress, which ousted her as chairman. The first hearing of the case is expected in Jakarta on Thursday.
Her failure to give a clear lead in recent days and her followers uncertain plans may cost her support and credibility as an opposition leader, analysts believe. There was little sign of that yesterday from the demonstrators chanting "victory for Mega".