PDI of Struggle takes over Ambon

PDI of Struggle takes over Ambon

AMBON, Maluku: This provincial capital turned into a sea of red on Tuesday as thousands of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) supporters took to the streets to see party chief Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Crowds of people wearing red shirts riding on buses, motorcycles and vans and waving red party banners and Megawati posters jammed the streets of the city, which has been devastated by sectarian conflicts, Antara reported.

The main thoroughfares were clogged and there was nowhere for police to direct traffic to. Troops were on alert at strategic corners in anticipation of violence.

Maluku Police chief Col. Bugis M. Saman said three battalions of combat troops were on the ready. No incidents were reported by the news agency.