Do not hesitate to fight back, Akbar tells supporters

SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): We are responding to the mounting protests in the country against the existence of Golkar, the party chairman Akbar Tandjung told supporters here on Saturday.

Speaking in front of thousands of party supporters, Akbar called on party officials and supporters to resist any form of pressure against the party, which had ruled the country for more than 30 years under former president Soeharto's tenure.

"We have the right to defend the party's respect and dignity. Don't hesitate, we must have the courage to defend our party whenever we are oppressed. If groups of people come to attack our offices, we must take up arms against them," Akbar said.

Protests against Golkar had been staged in the country. The vandalism was pioneered by groups of people, who claimed to be supporters of President Abdurrahman Wahid in the East Java city of Surabaya last month.

Since then, anti-Golkar sentiment has grown and vandalism against Golkar Party offices in several areas, including Yogyakarta, has continued. Last week a large group of anti-Golkar protesters tried to ransack the Jakarta chapter office but was foiled by security officers.

Observers have said that waves of protest against Golkar have been provoked by people's vengeance against oppression by the New Order regime, which was so closely allied to Golkar.

"Now Golkar can no longer expect help from others. The party cadres must get prepared to defend the party's dignity," Akbar said.

He also said he had talked with President Abdurrahman about the destruction of Golkar offices in East Java. "I hoped that he (the President) would issue calls to calm down the attackers. Unfortunately, he has never regretted the incidents or prohibited any groups from attacking Golkar offices."

Muhammadiyah

Separately, Din Syamsudin, deputy chairman of Muhammadiyah, the second largest Muslim organization, said in Surabaya on Saturday that terror against Muhammadiyah leaders in several areas in East Java could have hampered democracy.

Speaking to The Jakarta Post in the sidelines of the Fundraising Night for Refugees, Din said he deeply regretted that violence has been repeated again and again.

"The security forces should be tougher and do something concrete to stop such uncivilized action from spreading to other areas," he said.

He reiterated that differences among the people were a normal thing. "Any party must deal with such differences wisely. Any leaders must guide and set a good example for their supporters."

Din referred to the terrors by certain groups against Muhammadiyah leaders in East Java. Reports also said that unknown people had put a mark on the fences or front walls of the houses of Muhammadiyah leaders.

Many speculate that the recent terror was conducted by supporters of President Abdurrahman following Muhammadiyah leaders' statements on their choice for (Vice President) Megawati Soekarnoputri to assume power.

But Din Syamsudin said on Saturday, as a moral movement, Muhammadiyah could not just sit and do nothing upon seeing the country's deteriorating condition.

Meanwhile, Abdurrahman's supporters in East Java continued to collect signatures on a 100-meter cloth, to express their die- hard support for the President. (har/nur/sur)