Several thousand students, in separate groups, marched towards parliament, the attorney general's office and the University of Indonesia campus.

The rallies were in contrast to the political protests in the capital about two weeks ago when 14 died. At least another 13 died in clashes between Muslims and Christians at the weekend.

Student leaders held talks with the Attorney General, Andi Muhammad Ghalib, to press their demand that former President Suharto be put on trial on charges of corruption and human rights abuses.

About 1,000 students gathered at his offices and remained there for several hours. "Hang Suharto and his family," read one banner.

The capital was reported to be tense with a heavy military presence on the streets, including armoured cars and small tanks.

The students have also been calling for the resignation of President BJ Habibie's government and the removal of military chief General Wiranto, who they blame for the violence by troops two weeks ago.

The military has said 163 soldiers involved in clashes with protesters have been confined to barracks for three weeks while allegations that they fired without permission are examined.

Human rights investigation

The National Commission of Human Rights has said it will launch an investigation into the violence.

Security has been tight

"This is a worrying situation because it concerns respect and protection of human rights. This needs to be ended," Baharuddin Lopa, the commission's secretary-general, told a news conference.

He said the commission wanted the government to take stern action to prevent looting, arson and riots in the city of 10 million people.

President Habibie has warned that continued unrest would hold back economic recovery. Calls for restraint have also been issued by religious and opposition leaders.

Suharto investigation

The Indonesian Government said on Monday that a new commission set up to investigate alleged corruption by former President Suharto could call for him to be placed under house arrest or banned from foreign travel.

One of Mr Suharto's sons, Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, was questioned by the attorney general's office for several hours over corruption allegations against a company he partly owns.

One of the students' key demands has been a full investigation into allegations against Mr Suharto, his relatives and business associates.