Amien calls off E. Java speeches

Amien calls off E. Java speeches

SURABAYA: Leading opposition figure Amien Rais called off
speeches in Pasuruan and Bangil yesterday as fears grew that his
presence would incite a clash between various local groups.

The chairman of the 28-million-strong Muhammadiyah Moslem
organization told journalists in Surabaya, East Java, that his
entourage was stopped on its way to Bangil by police who told him
that a group of people intended to block their way into town.

Amien said he was bewildered at the news, especially since
East Java Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djaja Suparman had told
him that personally there would probably be no disruptions during
his visit.

"I called the military chief straight away. He then told me to
just cancel my plans and go back to Surabaya," Amien recalled.

It is still unclear who the people threatening the disruption
were.

In Pasuruan, about 50 kms south of here, a group of young men
were seen parading around town at about the time Amien was
scheduled to arrive.

Locals told The Jakarta Post the youths were not from
Pasuruan. (nur)