Banser to be brought in line: Ansor chief

BOYOLALI, Central Java (JP): The recently reelected chairman of the Ansor Youth Movement, Syaifulloh Yusuf, has vowed to bring in line its security volunteers group Banser, which is controlled by the movement.

In his inauguration speech, Syaifulloh, who is also President Abdurrahman Wahid's nephew, acknowledged that Banser's recent actions often sparked controversy, and pointed out that he would not allow Banser members to act like common hoodlums.

"Several Banser members have guarded venues which Islam bans, and I will soon stop this," said Syaifulloh, who is also a member of the House of Representatives (DPR) from Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan).

Ansor is a wing of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), which was chaired by Abdurrahman Wahid until his election as the country's fourth president in October.

In May, Banser guards besieged Jawa Pos daily office in Surabaya to force the newspaper to apologize to NU for mistakenly claiming that NU chairman Hasyim Muzadi was involved in the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) scandal.

The civilian guards, attired in military-like fatigues, have often assisted the police and the military in securing national events, like the recent National Games (PON).

"It is important to restore the image of Ansor, especially Banser, which is attracting public criticism," said Syaifollah.

Syaifulloh won 340 of 345 votes during the election on Sunday. His closest rival, Syaifullah Maksud, won the remaining five votes.

The congress was opened by the President on Wednesday. State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mahadi Sinambela officially closed the congress on Sunday. (har/prb)