Clashes set up, allege police

YOGYAKARTA: Police suspect the involvement of provocateurs in a series of clashes between supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and the United Development Party (PPP).

Yogyakarta Deputy Police chief Col. M. Erwin said on Thursday authorities had received reports of a dark red Isuzu van parked near the places where incidents took place.

He said it was regrettable that police were yet to catch the alleged provocateurs, who were once spotted cruising around the city, followed by two motorcycles.

"People inside the van threw firecrackers at houses in residential areas which are the rival parties' strongholds," Erwin said.

At least three people were seriously wounded in two days of occasional clashes involving supporters of the two parties.

Police seized 11 metal arrows they believed were used in the incidents. (44)