Do not hesitate to fight back, Akbar tells supporters

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)