East Java violence blamed by hoodlums

JAKARTA (JP): East Java police said in Surabaya yesterday that the recent disturbances in Tuban and Pasuruan, where shops were attacked and looted, were "purely criminal acts" committed by hoodlums.

Police spokesman Lt. Col. Soetrisno T.S. said the police had detained 131 people caught red-handed pelting and looting stores during the unrest sparked by rumors of soaring prices of basic commodities.

"It's a crime. The authorities will use repressive means to ensure security (in East Java). We call on the public to be wary of unfounded rumors," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

Minor riots took place on three consecutive days last week in Tuban regency, where angry mobs went on the rampage in the subdistricts of Bulu, Tambakbayo, and Palang, attacking and looting stores.

Similar violence took place in Pasuruan's Kraton market on Monday. It was sparked by kerosene prices rising to Rp 1,000 (10 U.S. cents) per liter from Rp 400.

Soetrisno said the 131 detained people consisted of 103 from Pasuruan and 28 from Tuban. He said those detained would be charged under article 365 of the Criminal Code on violent looting. The offense carries a maximum penalty of 12 years imprisonment.

He urged people not to be provoked by agitation by "certain groups of people" trying to manipulate the current economic crisis to serve their personal or group's interests.

East Java Governor Basofi Soedirman also urged residents to resist all provocation to riot.

Speaking at a post-Idul Fitri gathering in Surabaya, Basofi called on religious leaders in the province to tell their followers not to be provoked by "baseless rumors" about price hikes.

"East Java is one of the country's main food producers, but rumors have it that the province is facing a food shortage. This is ridiculous and misleading. People should not be provoked," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

"I appeal to rumormongers to stop their campaigns because what they have been doing has caused the nation a lot of pain. It's a big sin to agitate (people to riot)," Basofi said. (aan)