FPI activists rally against communism

JAKARTA (JP): About 500 supporters of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) rallied near the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle on Sunday morning to warn against communism, Antara reported.

In a statement, the FPI activists said they believed communists were using different organizations and student groups in their bid to make a comeback in the country.

The demonstrators identified the organizations and student groups as the Democratic People's Party (PRD), the Student Forum for Reform and Democracy and City Forum, which over the past week have intensified their campaign against Golkar Party for its role in Soeharto's New Order regime.

Children and housewives also took part in Sunday's demonstration, which began at about 9:30 a.m.

Some of the banners displayed by the FPI supporters read: "We are ready to slay communists", "We are ready to behead communists" and "PRD is the root of the problem."

FPI is known for its antidrug and antiprostitution campaigns.

Meanwhile, the campaign against Golkar continued on Sunday. Activists claiming to come from the Bekasi People's Anti-New Order Network issued a statement warning people to be wary of "false reform figures" and demanding that Golkar be disbanded.

The group said in the statement it received support from PRD and other anti-Golkar organizations. (amd)