Party followers in internal dispute

PURWAKARTA, West Java: A clash erupted here on Monday between members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), making the road linking Jakarta and Bandung impassable.

A journalist from Pikiran Rakyat daily, Nurjaman, was reportedly beaten up during the melee.

By late afternoon two large trucks along with a wrecked car and motorcycle were still blocking Jl. Veteran, the main route used by people traveling between Jakarta and Bandung through Purwakarta.

The reason for the fracas, which erupted in the early morning, remains unclear.

Antara reported that police continue to be on alert for further trouble between the various factions of PDI Perjuangan.

Local traffic police chief Maj. Latief condemned the incident, saying it crippled public activities. (dja)