JAKARTA. Apr 3: Hundreds of Indonesian students rallied yesterday urging the military to support their protests against President Suharto's 32-year rule, reports AFP.

Some 500 students from about 10 universities gathered at a University of Indonesia campus in Jakarta to appeal for the support of the armed forces, known here by the acronym ABRI. in their demands for reforms amid a deepening economic crisis.

"We are not against ABRI who support the people." yelled one student leader from a podium at the campus.

"We call out to you sirs to turn around and support our cause." ,

However, the students dismissed an offer of talks with military commanders to air their grievances, saying the move was intended to silence protests which have been taking place for weeks at campuses across the country.

Armed Forces Chief General Wiranto last month said students should talk instead of

demonstrating and that his officers would be available for discussions.

"University of Indonesia re-E:ts dialogue with ABRI. " one nner at the rally said.

The students sang and read poetry saturated with political messages, accompanied by drumming in the background.

“Seven times, seven times till death." they chanted, referring to Suharto's refusal to step down from the presidency after six consecutive five-year terms and his return to office for a seventh last month.

The students also demanded security forces stop suppressing demonstrations and allow protestors to express themselves.

However, authorises have cracked down on many rallies which attempted to leave the campuses leading to clashes and in some cases the disappearances of students.

About two dozen police were deployed outside the campus fence during Friday’s protests while another 30 in plain clothe were on the university.