Unrest anticipated in E. Java: Police chief<\/p>\n
SURABAYA (JP): East Java's security forces were ready to
\nanticipate possible outbreaks of violence, ahead of the Aug.1
\nspecial session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR),
\npolice chief Insp. Gen Sutanto said on Thursday.<\/p>\n
"We are all out preparing ourselves to maintain a conducive
\nsituation here. Almost all forces will be deployed, including
\nbackup from the Indonesian Military (TNI) and from Bali Police,"
\nthe police chief told reporters, after attending a meeting with
\nEast Java Governor Imam Utomo at the latter's office.<\/p>\n
Sutanto maintained that he had held a meeting with his
\nsubordinates, police chiefs in the province. "They all reported,
\nthat for the time being security was under control."<\/p>\n
"I have also instructed provocative (political) banners to be
\npulled down immediately," Sutanto added.<\/p>\n
The province of 35 million people is well known as the
\nstronghold for supporters of President Abdurrahman, who was born
\nin the town of Jombang.<\/p>\n
Sutanto branded the province as vulnerable to unrest.<\/p>\n
Thousands of Abdurrahman's supporters staged violent rallies
\nin several towns across the province when the House of
\nRepresentatives issued censures against Abdurrahman.<\/p>\n
Many are worried that diehard supporters would "take up arms"
\nif their icon, President Abdurrahman, was impeached or unseated
\nat the special session on Aug. 1.<\/p>\n
Officer Sutanto said that weapons crackdowns at public places,
\nincluding bus terminals and railway stations had also been
\nconducted.<\/p>\n
"The most important thing for us is to maintain public safety
\nbefore, during and after the MPR special session."<\/p>\n
When asked about possible mass mobilization to Jakarta,
\nSutanto said,"We have approached kyai, Muslim clerics and ask
\nthem to control their followers."<\/p>\n
Earlier, Governor Imam Utomo had instructed subordinates
\nto take down any inflammatory banners in a bid
\nto maintain peace ahead of the special session.<\/p>\n
"The banners will only disturb the stable situation in our
\nprovince," Imam said, when asked to comment on the increase of
\nbanners in several areas in the province over the past few days.<\/p>\n
Inflammatory political remarks have been written on the
\nbanners.<\/p>\n
For example, in North Surabaya, some banners read: SI Digelar
\nPerang Saudara Menjalar, (If A Special Session Is Held, Civil War
\nWill Occur); Amien Rais-Akbar Tandjung, Aku Haus Darahmu, (Amien
\nRais-Akbar Tandjung, I Thirst For Your Blood); and Gus Dur
\nDijatuhkan, Negara dalam Kehancuran, (If Gus Dur Is Toppled, the
\nCountry Will Be Devastated).<\/p>\n
Banners can also be found at public places in several towns in
\nthe province, such as Pasuruan, Bondowoso, Mojokerto, Banyuwangi,
\nProbolinggo and Sidoarjo. (nur\/emf)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/unrest-anticipated-in-e-java-police-chief-1447893297",
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