Ketapang Port resumes operation

DENPASAR, Bali: Thousands of commuters wanting to use the Bali-Java sea crossing had to camp for almost 17 hours at the compound at the port of Gilimanuk even though it was opened at 3:30 a.m local time on Friday, Antara reported.

Thousands were stranded at both the ports of Gilimanuk and Ketapang as die-hard supporters of President Abdurrahman Wahid blocked Ketapang in East Java, which connects Java and Bali, since Thursday.

Until Friday afternoon, however, long queues were still waiting at Gilimanuk.

Rumors were also circulating, however, that the supporters may continue the blockade until Saturday.

In Semarang, the capital of Central Java, some 100 students participated in a protest staged by a group known as the National Harmony Movement, calling all political elites to maintain the country's territorial integrity.

Separately, the National Awakening Party (PKB) secretary general for Central Java, Abdul Kadir Karding, threatened to deploy hundreds of thousands of President Abdurrahman's supporters "if Amien Rais and his aides continued efforts to topple Gus Dur", he said, referring to Abdurrahman's nickname. (edt/har)