The recent brutality of the security forces contrasts with the crowd control tactics used over the past nine months. Previous protests in Jakarta have been met with tear gas, arrests, rubber bullets and police batons. While warning shots fired at protestors and injuries have been common, the use of deadly force has been avoided. The motives for this new aggressiveness could stem from several issues. Security forces viewed the bill's passage as essential and their aggressiveness could simply be a function of their desire to protect their interests and see the bill pass.
Political instability is another possibility for a number of reasons.
First, President B J Habibie is under extreme pressure to step down from office because of the Bank Bali scandal and the loss of East Timor. His government may be issuing incoherent orders to the military, or possibly no orders at all. Alternately, the security forces may simply be choosing to ignore orders they are receiving. Military reshuffling is another possible factor. With a possible presidential bid in the near future, Defense Minister and armed forces chief Gen Wiranto may be stocking key positions in the army with chosen personnel.