'Hired ulemas' behind Pekalongan PKB-PPP clash: Gus Dur

KENDAL, Central Java (JP): At least 11 people were injured when clashes involving supporters of the United Development Party (PPP) and the National Awakening Party (PKB) broke out on Saturday in Pekalongan, incidents which PKB founder Abdurrahman Wahid was quick to blame on "hired ulemas".

Observers said 17 clashes between PPP and PKB have taken place in Pekalongan alone since the start of campaigning on May 19.

Abdurrahman, who is also chairman of Indonesia's largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), said here on Sunday the ulemas were paid to provoke the violence, which led to fatalities and injury for dozens of Muslim supporters of PPP and PKB.

"I know all of them (the alleged hired ulemas). What I don't understand is why they have the heart to let Muslims become the victims," Abdurrahman, who helped found PKB, said.

Meanwhile, deputy chief of PPP's Pekalongan chapter Moh. Ahlan said the rioters were neither PPP nor PKB supporters, but provocateurs who did not want to see the Indonesian Muslim community become united.

"The provocateurs are supporters of former president Soeharto and his cronies, who intentionally came to Pekalongan to play PPP supporters against those of the PKB," he told reporters in Pekalongan on Sunday.

Chief of PKB's Pekalongan branch Mahfud Dimyati also believed the provocateurs did not want to see Muslim-oriented parties, like the PPP and the PKB, win in the upcoming June 7 elections.

On Saturday, Central Java Police chief Maj. Gen. Nurfaizi blamed irresponsible people for the recent clashes.

"None of the 48 parties contesting the elections have urged their members or supporters to commit crimes," he said as quoted by Antara.

The situation in Pekalongan remained tense until Sunday afternoon, with dozens of policemen and military officers on guard in riot-prone locations.

The brawl took place on Saturday evening in Kradenan subdistrict, Pekalongan regency, when supporters of both parties pelted stones at each other. Six people were injured and five homes destroyed.

A similar clash also occurred in Simbang Wetan subdistrict, Pekalongan mayoralty, injuring five supporters of both parties. Four of the victims were wounded by air rifle shots, while the last one was hit by acid.

Also destroyed were five homes and one motorcycle, with the property belonging to supporters of both camps.

Preliminary reports said the dispute was triggered by rumors that PKB supporters were planning to block PPP supporters during their street rally on Friday.

Other reports said Saturday's incident was the continuation of a dispute last Wednesday.

The violence on Wednesday broke out after a group of unidentified people blocked PKB supporters who were leaving a campaign site at Paesan Kedungwuni soccer field. In the ensuing melee, several houses in Kradenan and Jenggot subdistricts, where PKB supporters live, were destroyed and their vehicles burned.

The attackers also shot at PKB supporters with air rifles, threw stones and sprayed hydrochloric acid at them.

Nurfaizi warned on Saturday against an escalation of violence.

"Do not let the clash among supporters of the two NU-based political parties develop into a Sambas-like ethnic riot," he said, referring to Malay-Madurese unrest in the West Kalimantan town. More than 200 people were killed and thousands lost their homes.

He urged supporters of all of the parties contesting the elections not to use the expression of their political freedom to transgress on the freedom of others.

"Do not cultivate this anger among you, and please remember that whoever wins the elections will lead, and will have to be supported by us all."

He also called on the public to remain wary of any provocation aimed at disrupting national unity. (har/imn)