Amien deplores devastating riots in Surakarta

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)