Golkar and PDI-P supporters clash

SRAGEN, Central Java: Golkar Party supporters vandalized a car of an official of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI- P) at dawn on Monday, after he distributed anti-Golkar fliers in Newung subdistrict here.

No fatalities or injuries were reported in the incident.

The incident began when Heri, the secretary of PDI-P's Sragen branch, and four other party's supporters distributed the fliers to local residents and posted them at strategic locations in Newung subdistrict at 3:30 a.m.

Some fliers stated "Don't vote for Golkar" and "Don't vote for the oppressor party".

Several local residents, who were Golkar Party supporters, questioned the move and the supporters of the two rival parties were involved in a heated argument.

Heri and four others were able to return to their car and leave. But, as Heri sped off, local residents threw stones at the car causing extensive damage.

Chief of Surakarta Police Precinct, which Sragen regency is under, Sr. Comr. Hasyim Irianto, confirmed the incident, saying that the police were looking into the case. -- JP