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)