Rally calls for peaceful elections<\/p>\n
Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali<\/p>\n
Hundreds of youths grouped under the Banjar (traditional
\nneighborhood organization) Umadui in Bali's capital Denpasar
\nstaged a street parade on Sunday afternoon to remind political
\nparties and their supporters to maintain peace prior to and
\nduring the 2004 elections.<\/p>\n
They said they were worried about the possible recurrence of
\nclashes between supporters of rival parties. Two people were
\nkilled and six others injured in clashes in Buleleng and Tabanan
\nin October.<\/p>\n
"This parade is our response to the recent political clashes
\nin Buleleng and Tabanan. We hope that local political groups and
\ntheir supporters will put their party interests behind people's
\ndemands for security and peace," chairman of the Umadui and
\nSoputan Youths Movement (GAUS) I Nyoman Sukadana said.<\/p>\n
During the one kilometer-long march, the youths were dressed
\nin traditional costumes and black T-shirts bearing the slogan in
\nBalinese language "Bali loves peace, do not fight each other for
\nthe sake of political parties' interests".<\/p>\n
The youths carried Indonesian flags and the flags of the
\nIndonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and Golkar Party
\n-- whose supporters clashed in October -- and the Freedom Bull
\nNational Party (PNBK) (photo above).<\/p>\n
"These are the parties which have grassroot supporters among
\nour banjar," Sukadana said.<\/p>\n
The youths ended the parade by hoisting up a giant white flag
\nas a symbol of peace and the words "Bali Loves Peace".<\/p>\n
Giant banners bearing similar messages were raised at various
\nspots in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n
An American tourist, Phill Lameier of California, praised the
\nparade as a beautiful act.<\/p>\n
"I think the message these young people tried to convey, the
\ncall for peace and unity, are what this magnificent island really
\nneeds," he said.<\/p>\n
The General Elections Commission (KPU) has issued a code of
\nconduct requiring all political parties contesting the 2004
\nelections to maintain peace and uphold tolerance.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/rally-calls-for-peaceful-elections-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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