Ketapang Port resumes operation

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)