PRESIDENT CONCERNED ABOUT POLICE-STUDENT CLASH IN GORONTALO

Jakarta, Dec. 30 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has expressed concern about a clash between university students and police personnel in a rally in Gorontalo on Tuesday.

"Last night I got a report on an incident in Gorontalo, and I gave my instruction at midnight and it was implemented this morning. The important thing is the Rector (of State Gorontalo University) and the provincial police chief should explain the incident to the public," President Yudhoyono said when chairing a meeting with the vice president and coordinating ministers at the presidential office, here on Wednesday.

The rector and the local police chief must give a comprehensive explanation in order to prevent misinformation, and sanction those e who started the violence, he said.

Rallying students must obey the law and maintain order in expressing their aspirations , he said.

Julian Aldrin Pasha, a presidential spokesman, said the meeting was to discuss preparations for a plenary cabinet meeting on Thursday which will discuss efforts to intensify the implementation of the 100-day government program in 2010.

"The cabinet session will be held on Thursday (Dec. 31) at around 10 am local time here (at the presidential palace)," he said.