PDI Perjuangan set for street battles: Official
PDI Perjuangan set for street battles: Official
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Sending the country back to mob democracy, the ruling Indonesian
Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) has threatened to
mobilize thousands of supporters to outnumber those demonstrating
against President Megawati Soekarnoputri's administration.
PDI-Perjuangan deputy chairman Roy B.B. Janis said the two
weeks of street rallies against fuel, electricity and telephone
cost increases were intended to topple the President.
"The party has more than 40 million supporters, so we can
outnumber those protesting against the President," he said after
the party's weekly meeting presided over by party chairwoman
Megawati on Tuesday.
Almost three years ago supporters of incumbent president
Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid took to streets to protest political
moves to unseat him. In some areas they and were involved in
clashes with security personnel.
The meeting focused on measures to anticipate developments
that may jeopardize Megawati's position.
"We appreciate the rallies that truly voiced the people's
aspirations, but those who have a certain political agenda should
reconsider their move."
Without solid evidence, Roy has accused National Mandate Party
(PAN) lawmaker and former minister of finance Fuad Bawazier of
being involved in the antigovernment rallies.
Megawati is facing her stiffest challenge since taking office
in July 2001.
On Monday she bowed to pressure and cut the size of the price
increases. However, the anti-government demonstrations have
continued.
No less than Coordinating Minister for Political and Security
Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono have said the protests were a
conspiracy to topple Megawati.
National Police have arrested dozens of protesters.
Analysts have warned that the government moves were
reminiscent of the authoritarian rule of president Soeharto and
would only confirm Megawati's dictatorship.
"We called on the police to take stern action against those
involved in rallies that threaten the continuation of the
government," Roy said.
He said he sensed systematic efforts to demoralize the party
and to create an image of PDI-Perjuangan being the common enemy.
In several regions, party headquarters and flags have become
the targets of public's anger over Megawati's decision on the
fares hike.
"Many of our branches have suffered from the people's anger
and they have been urging us to strike back. We do not want to do
that, although we believe we are able to match the number of the
protesters," Roy said.
To support the party's position, Megawati, in her capacity as
chairwoman, instructed the party's members to maintain peace and
order across the country.
"Avoid any provocation or disinformation that could tarnish
the image of the country's leadership," says the instruction,
signed by Megawati, made available on Tuesday.
She also ordered members to be aware of any developments in
the wake of the changing political constellation.