East Java braces for MPR special session

SURABAYA (JP): Three ministers traveled to East Java on Thursday for talks with local leaders to try and avert violence during the special session of People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in August.

The meeting, hosted by Governor Imam Utomo, was held between Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Agum Gumelar, Minister of Defense Mahfud MD and Minister of Home Affairs and Regional Autonomy Soerjadi Soedirdja and about 100 leaders from community and religious organizations and political parties.

Also present at the closed-door meeting were Indonesian Military Chief of Territorial Affairs Lt. Gen. Agus Widjojo and top local military and police officers.

During a media conference following the meeting, Agum said he and his colleagues visited East Java for a spot check ahead of the MPR special session.

"The government would like to find out how the local community will respond to the results of the political process, how we can accommodate their aspirations and ponder the steps to be taken," he said.

Agum, who is also the Soccer Association of Indonesia chairman, likened the special session to a soccer game for which the field, referee and rules must be well prepared.

"We also want orderly supporters as required by the rules, and all parties should sincerely accept the final outcome of the game," he said.

Agum stated that he had asked the country's provincial leaders to act firmly against any violations, according to all accepted procedures.

Violence occurred in several town in East Java when the House of Representatives resolved to call for the MPR special session late in May.

President Abdurrahman Wahid was angered by the tough measures the police applied to quell the violence, with at least one man dying from police bullets. East Java is one of Abdurrahman's strongholds.

Earlier on Thursday, the three ministers held talks with provincial officials, regents, police precinct chiefs and military district leaders.

Following the talks, a regent said Agum and Governor Imam called on the regional administration to arrange contingency plans in anticipation of violence during the MPR session.

"The minister stressed that regional leaders should be able to safeguard the political process and the special session, while preventing unwanted impacts. He said they should not hesitate to deal strictly with violations of the law or acts of anarchy," he said.

Ali Maschan Moesa, the chairman of the provincial branch of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), said the recent unrest in the province was a product of the political dispute in Jakarta, so "the root of the problem must be dealt with".

Yusuf Hasyim, the head of an Islamic boarding school and the President's uncle, said that whatever the result of the special session the NU should remain committed to the cause of the unitary state, "even if the President is brought down". (nur)