Indonesia Tightens Security After Violent Protests

President B.J. Habibie tightened security around his palace Sunday and warned that violent student protests that have engulfed the capital, Jakarta, would only delay democratic change.

An aide said the Indonesian president would stick by his military chief, Gen. Wiranto, despite outrage over the shooting deaths of at least five students in clashes with riot officers.

In a meeting Sunday with local journalists, Wiranto expressed regret for the shootings of the students and promised to take action against officers involved.

Police, meanwhile, detained two opposition figures for questioning after Habibie ordered the military to get tough on those he has accused of trying to overthrow his 6-month-old government.

The activists are former political prisoner and politician Sri Bintang Pamungkas and retired Lt. Gen. Kemal Idris, who has campaigned to replace Habibie with a transitional government led by a standing committee of community leaders.

Two other pro-democracy activists were questioned Saturday and later released.

The streets of Jakarta were quiet Sunday after riots a day earlier that were triggered by the killings of the students.

The unrest was the worst in the capital since May, when much heavier rioting swept the city and led to President Suharto’s resignation after 32 years in power.

Students planned to resume protests today against Habibie, a one-time protege of Suharto who is promising democratic reforms but is suspected by opponents of maneuvering to stay in power.