No Chinese songs allowed

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Police in Surakarta and Banyumas have banned the singing of Mandarin songs at hotels and other entertainment places which plan to organize Christmas and New Year's parties.

"The ban is imposed to prevent racial conflict," Surakarta Police Chief Col. Soeseno said.

His counterpart in Banyuwangi Col. Demak Lubis confirmed the ban in his city, recalling that a similar ban was imposed in 1989 throughout all Central Java.

Many hotels and entertainment places have invited Taiwan singers and artists to feature in their New Year's parties. (wah/emb)