Banned banners taken down

SURABAYA (JP): Dozens of the banners denouncing political figures and parties which have been erected since the start of the People's Consultative Assembly Annual Session are being taken down by police in a bid to cool the climate in the city.

Police have been conducting a sweep of the banners since Monday.

Just exactly who is responsible for the erection of the banners is unclear.

"Go to hell with Golkar", "Amien Rais, where is your promise of reform", and "MPR-DPR don't fool the people" were among a few of the bold inscriptions on the banners taken down.

Senior Supt. Sri Koesno of the Surabaya police said the authorities would closely monitor if the banners are re-erected over the next few days.

"All of these banners have political messages which could incite unrest between the various political forces in the community," Sri Koesno explained. (nur)