East Java violence blamed by hoodlums
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)