Banser gathers to back President's policies

Banser gathers to back President's policies

MAGELANG, Central Java (JP): At least 10,000 members of a
security volunteer force from Nahdlatul Ulama's (NU) Ansor Youth
Movement gathered for a dramatic demonstration here on Saturday
to pledge support for President Abdurrahman Wahid's government
and to heighten alertness against divisive national forces.

Wearing military-style uniforms, the security volunteers,
dubbed banser, flocked to Sawitan Square in Kota Mungkid district
from almost all neighboring towns such as Banyumas, Wonosobo,
Semarang and Yogyakarta.

No violence was reported during the gathering.

The gathering comes amid feverish rumors of a possible
takeover against Abdurrahman.

Ansor Youth Movement chairman Syaifulloh Yusuf told the
attendees that "a particular force" was trying to destroy
Indonesia's stability by creating chaos either based on ethnic or
religious issues.

He called on those present not to be easily provoked.

"We have to keep in mind that we are anti-violence, anti-
destruction. We cherish peace. We'll never manipulate religion
for our own interests," Yusuf said.

Yusuf also led the chorus in chanting support for President
Abdurrahman saying that as president the former NU chief has
achieved much progress.

"One (achievement) is the trust he gets from both the domestic
and foreign communities," he added.

In a joint statement, Ansor Youth Movements in Central Java
and Yogyakarta reiterated their calls for fellow members to
remain fully alert to anti-democratic forces.

"We have to be wary of any form of provocation to engage in
destructive action in the name of the religion," the statement
said.

"The present legitimate government is already badly burdened
by the previous regime. So let's help make things easier for
them". (swa/edt)