Amien deplores devastating riots in Surakarta

SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais returned on Wednesday to his hometown to see for himself the devastation from last week's riots.

Officials estimate the riots caused at least Rp 15 billion of damage.

"Whoever the provocateurs or the masterminds were ... whether it was a political party or a mass organization, security forces must take stern action against them," Amien said on Wednesday.

Amien, who is also chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), claimed during the visit that he knew details of the parties responsible for the arson and looting, but declined to elaborate further.

"Riots like this can only be the work of those who are antireligious, anti-Pancasila (the state ideology) and anti the nation, and probably communist."

"It is strange if Police don't know who the provocateurs or rioters were, because I already have the details ... But I forgive them. I'm still being patient, but I'm considering getting even in the future," Amien noted without elaborating.

Dozens of people brandishing weapons and blunt objects vandalized last Wednesday the house of Amien Rais' mother, Sudalmiyah Suhud Rais, 83, in the Ngemplak area of Kampung Kepatihan in Surakarta, dragging all of the belongings out onto the street and burning them.

"All the furniture has been burnt," Amien said emotionally.

At least one person died and scores were injured as dozens of cars, offices and business centers were destroyed in riots which erupted after news of Megawati Soekarnoputri's loss in the presidential election.

Meanwhile public accountant Rachmad Wahyudi who was appointed by the Surakarta administration to assess the damage said losses had reached Rp 15.3 billion (US$2.25 million).

Surakarta is still suffering from the May 1998 riot which caused losses of some Rp 560 billion. (44/edt)