Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands (ANTARA News) - Thirteen activists of the Riau Islands Intellectual Student Movement for Care of the Indonesian People criticized President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono making an official visit to Tanjungpinang and Bintan from February 25 to 27, 2011.

The criticism had been expressed by way of a demonstration at the Pamedan Square here Friday.

"We believe that the President`s visits were not effective, as the inauguration of several activities in Riau Islands could actually be left to his ministers," the student organization`s field coordinator Astarmin said here.

The police did not allow the activists to launch their action at the Pamedan Square because it would disrupt traffic, they were given the chance for an oration for 10 minutes at the square.

The students urged the President to solve the Bank Century case and eliminate the tax mafia members, and handle the Ahmadiyah case more seriously.

The President should better concentrate on problems of national significance which had caused so many losses and suffering to the nation, rather than making a working visit to Tanjungpinang and Bintan.

"Actually, we did not object to the President`s visit to Tanjungpinang and Bintan, it was only conducted in an inappropriate time," Astarmin said. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011