Banser to be brought in line: Ansor chief

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)