Dozens injured in last round of campaigning

JAKARTA (JP): Violence marked the penultimate day of campaigning in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi, on Thursday as supporters of several parties clashed with Golkar loyalists, causing dozens of injuries.

Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital admitted five, including one supporter of the National Awakening Party (PKB) with a machete wound to his arm, and four others from Golkar. Three of them suffered arrow wounds.

Grestelina Hospital staff reported two admissions, both identified as Golkar supporters, one with a spear wound to his head and another injured by an arrow.

About 30 other Golkar supporters were taken to a local clinic, a witness said. Police said three Golkar supporters were injured, but only identified Anwar, 18, and Mustari, 18, who were wounded by arrows. Police arrested 62 Golkar supporters carrying weapons including machetes and arrows.

The violence followed incidents on Tuesday when Golkar was targeted for revenge for its attacks on two parties' offices, which Golkar supporters also justified as a reprisal.

On Thursday at about 2:30 p.m. Golkar supporters in a street rally were seen pelting the office of the National Mandate Party (PAN). Stores closed as soon as PAN security guards responded by also throwing stones, but no one was hurt.

Golkar supporters also clashed with supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), triggered by an exchange of insults and stone throwing. Several windows of homes on Jl. Toddopuli were shattered.

A similar clash with supporters of the National Awakening Party (PKB) occurred when they found a broken-down vehicle from the Golkar convoy. They pelted the Golkar supporters, aimed arrows and chased them when they tried to flee, witnesses said. Several Golkar supporters were injured and three buses were damaged.

More violence occurred when other Golkar supporters passed the office of the Indonesian Democratic Union Party (PUDI). PUDI hailed them by giving the thumbs-up, but Golkar supporters responded by yelling "PKI", in reference to the outlawed Indonesian Communist Party.

Angered PUDI supporters then chased them carrying stones.

Meanwhile, separate accidents on Wednesday night in Surodadi and Bumijawa districts, Central Java, killed two supporters of PDI Perjuangan and injured 23 others who were in trucks full of supporters, Central Java party chairman Suratal said on Thursday. On Wednesday night 15 were injured and 16 homes were damaged when three unknown men attacked a supporter of the United Development Party (PPP) with sharp weapons, provincial chairman M. Thoyfoer said.

Aceh

In Jakarta, Minister of Defense and Security/Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Wiranto said on Thursday security reasons may necessitate delaying the June 7 elections in strife- torn parts of Aceh.

Wiranto said polling may be held in phases in the province because of escalating tension in the regencies of Pidie, East and North Aceh. The election law allows a window of up to 30 days after the scheduled election day for all polling to be conducted.

"Elections in the three regencies may be postponed for several days," he said, adding a decision would depend on events in the next two days.

Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Amien Rais said in Banda Aceh he hoped the Acehnese would participate in the polls. He said delaying the elections could prompt the government to "find an excuse to redeploy troops in Aceh", Antara quoted him as saying. On calls for a referendum on Aceh's status within the nation, he said, "If the new government is just, a referendum may not be needed."

In Surabaya, as in other cities, young and old welcomed the PDI Perjuangan convoy. The city was brought to a standstill as employees hung around the streets and drivers were caught in traffic snarls. Tunjungan Plaza shopping center closed early at 4:15 p.m. after turning off all lights following reports that party supporters were heading to the building.

PDI Perjuangan supporters also carried flags of PKB, PAN, PUDI and the Democratic People's Party (PRD).

PUDI activists left a wreath at the governor's office bearing the message: "Farewell to political and military violence."

They also placed a mock coffin to symbolize "the death of former president Soeharto and his cronies".

From Denpasar, Antara reported that the provincial chapter of Golkar would sue the chapter of PDI Perjuangan for various violations. The last allegedly occurred on Wednesday night when PDI Perjuangan supporters verbally harassed Golkar supporters and vandalized flags. PDI Perjuangan supporters entered the home of a Golkar member. PDI Perjuangan security guards were threatened and fled. Their vehicle caught on fire after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at it, survivors said.

Seven troops were deployed and tear gas was used to disperse the ensuing clash involving people using sharp weapons. A woman and her infant were rushed to the hospital after being overcome by the tear gas. Three journalists also reported ill effects from being teargassed. (30/nur/har/45/rms/anr)