Dozens injured in last round of campaigning

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)