PDI-P to observe July 27 incident

SURABAYA (JP): Some 1,000 supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) are expected to attend a gathering here on Tuesday to commemorate the third anniversary of the "July 27" tragedy.

The chairman of PDI Perjuangan's East Java chapter, Sutjipto, said on Monday that the gathering, to be held at the party's office on Jl. Raya Kendangsari, is intended to provide party members with a clear explanation of the forceful takeover of the then Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) headquarters on July 27, 1996. The incident, which triggered unrest throughout Jakarta, killed five people.

"The ceremony is aimed at strengthening the spirit of party cadres and supporters," Sutjipto said here on Monday.

He said the provincial chapter would also issue a statement, expressing loyalty to the party and chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri.

While the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) approaches, support for Megawati's presidential nomination has continued. Some 100,000 party supporters in the province have pricked their thumbs and stamped their bloody digit on paper or long banners, symbolizing their support for Megawati's presidential bid.

Party supporters have also put banners in strategic locations in the city, reading: Pemilu sudah selesai. Megawati harus jadi president ke 4 (The general elections is over. Megawati must become the fourth president).

Sutjipto said he has never instructed party supporters to organize the movement. "They have done all of this spontaneously," he said.

Some 900 kilometers east of Surabaya, the party's central executive board is to hold a similar ceremony on Tuesday at its headquarters in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta. (nur/rms)