Employees ordered to vote for Amien

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: The Palembang Muhammadiyah University has issued a circular, instructing its 528 employees to vote for Amien Rais-Siswono Yudohusodo, or face sanctions.

University rector Marshaal NG said on Wednesday he had asked the employees to inform him of the polling station that they would vote at on July 5, so he would know if his order was heeded.

"We will directly check the employees at polling stations. We will know who the traitors are," he said.

Amien relinquished his post as Muhammadiyah chairman in 1998 to lead the National Mandate Party (PAN). The Muslim organization has come under fire for failing to stay neutral in the presidential election. -- Antara

;JP;NFK; ANPAa..r.. Crash-Candidate-Car

JP/3/crash Wiranto team rear ended

SURABAYA: A group of people, riding in the entourage of vice presidential candidate Salahuddin Wahid, was involved in a multi- car pileup in Bangil district, Pasuruan regency, East Java, on Wednesday evening.

No injuries were reported however, but at least seven of the cars carrying in the entourage were damaged, some seriously.

Romdon and Syaiful, both members of the Wiranto-Salahuddin campaign team, said the crash occurred when the entourage was returning from Probolinggo regency to Surabaya, escorted by two police cars.

"One car was running too far in front and the others were trying to catch up," Romdon said.

Upon reaching Bangil, a van in the front of the chase pack suddenly hit the brakes, causing the vehicles behind it to slam into one another. --JP

;JP; ANPAx..r.. Trail-Pekanbaru-rally Pekanbaru clear of banners JP/3/TRAIL

Campaigns kept to minimum in Pekanbaru

PEKANBARU, Riau: On the second day of the campaign period on Wednesday, no political posters or banners were observed in the capital.

The scene was a stark contrast to the general election campaign a few months ago, when party banners were virtually everywhere.

Antara found only one banner of support for Amien Rais-Siswono Yudohusodo on Wednesday.

A general lack of enthusiasm has been observed since Tuesday, the start of the official campaign period. Only 70 cars, mostly undecorated, took part in the parade that marked the start of the month-long election campaign period, which drew little attention from local residents. -- Antara

;JP; ANPAx..r.. Trail-Malang-officials Poll officials to go on strike JP/3/TRAIL

Poll officials to go on strike

MALANG, East Java: Dozens of poll officials here have threatened to go on strike if the local government and legislature fail to disburse the budget allocated for them.

A district election official told a hearing with Deputy Mayor Bambang Priyo Utomo on Wednesday he had used his own money to cover the operational cost of the committee.

"The municipal election committee has not responded to our demand, citing various excuses. If ill-treated, we are prepared to go on strike," the official, Sutiadji, said.

Subdistrict and district poll officials across this hilly East Java town have unilaterally demanded Rp 1.5 billion (US$163,000) to build 2,046 polling stations, procure equipment and pay their allowances.

The deputy mayor said the local government and legislature were still discussing the municipal election committee's proposed budget of Rp 900 million. -- Antara

;JP; ANPAx..r.. Trail-Surabaya-Susilo Police disperse campaign for Susilo JP/3/TRAIL

Pretty women support Susilo

SURABAYA: Beauty did not count when police and local election supervisors dispersed on Wednesday 10 women who were campaigning in support of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono-Jusuf Kalla.

A local election supervisory committee member, Machmud Suhermono, said the 10 "pretty women" were distributing flowers and stickers bearing a picture of the pair to motorists and passersby at a crossroad on Jl. Dr. Soetomo. The official said no campaign was scheduled to take place that day on the street.

"They are not part of the campaign team, but claim to be supporters of the candidates. But who knows?" Machmud said, adding that all parties must uphold the regulations.

His team had also warned campaign teams for Amien Rais-Siswono Yudohusodo and Megawati Soekarnoputri-Hasyim Muzadi for placing banners in the neutral zone of Jl. A. Yani. -- Antara