Chaos breaks out in Surabaya PMII congress

SURABAYA (JP): Chaos broke out at the congress of the Islamic Student Movement Association (PMII) yesterday when hundreds of participants ditched talking in favor demonstrating at the meeting.

The protesters accused the organizing committee of holding a forum full of political intrigue.

The Surabaya chapter delegates, who arranged and hosted the meeting in the Sukolilo haj dormitory, walked out of the congress.

The organization has an important position in Moslem society, given its affiliation with Indonesia's largest Islamic organization Nahdlatul Ulama.

Surabaya branch chairman Machrus Ali said the congress was "deplorable and of no quality at all" because those vying for chairmanship of the association cared only about winning.

"The most important agenda of the organization has been neglected... they only think about their own interests," Machrus said.

The protesters waved banners outside the haj dormitory, one of which read: "Kongres Kacau, Demokrasi Bukan Basa-Basi" (Congress is a mess, democracy -- not just words).

The Surabaya chapter said they would reject the outcome of the congress.

Proceedings at the congress have been rocky since it opened Monday.

At one stage it was marred by a brawl between participants protesting the sloppy organization of the congress.

At another point, a candidate for chairman fled the venue following death threats from some of the participants.

PMII Secretary-General Rusydin M. Noer said he was not surprised by yesterday's walkout.

He said he agreed with the branch's position.

"I am really sorry for this congress, it's the worst congress in the history of PMII," Rusydin told The Jakarta Post.

In spite of the protests the 15 candidates for chairman proceeded to brief reporters about their plans for the organization should they be elected.

Most congress participants did not watch the press briefing as it was held outside the scheduled agenda.

Instead, they took turns at a free speech forum to slam the organization's central board for losing control of the congress. (nur/aan)