Paul Cusiac reports on continuing protests in Jakarta

State Department spokesman James Rubin said the security forces "clearly involved excessive use of force by security forces against unarmed demonstrators" and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.

With Indonesia moving through a difficult period of reform, Mr Rubin said Washington expected the government "to respect fully the rights of Indonesian citizens to freedom of speech and assembly."

He said that any further demonstrations should be peaceful and called on security forces "to refrain from violence so that there is no repetition of the events of 13-14 November."

Protesters are demanding real political change

The clashes coincided with a special assembly of the Indonesian parliament called to discuss the country's political reform. It was some of the worst violence in Indonesia since the riots in May in which around 1,200 people died.

In Jakarta itself there have been further demonstrations as more than 1,000 Indonesian students marched through the city in the fourth attempt in two weeks to protest outside the house of former president Suharto.

Their way was blocked by troops and police armed with sticks and riot shields.

Suharto under investigation

One of the student's key demands is that the government launch a thorough investigation into the former president's wealth which is estimated at as much as $40bn.

Tight security remains in force

Critics say Mr Suharto siphoned off state wealth to benefit his family's business empires and are demanding that the state seize his wealth.

According to one cabinet minister President BJ Habibie is due this week to announce details of an independent commission to investigate corruption during Mr Suharto's three decades in power.

Mr Suharto himself has consistently denied any wrong-doing and says he is willing to submit to any investigation.

But the students are unlikely to be satisfied.