Police deny starting riot

SURABAYA: Police have denied starting Wednesday's clash between themselves and members of the National Awakening Party's (PKB) civilian guard over a disputed building.

East Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar rejected on Friday the charge that his men had initiated the melee, in which 19 people, including five police officers, were wounded.

"The officers had to defend themselves as they were pelted with rocks," he said, adding that the officers were escorting court officials to vacate the disputed Pra Yuwana orphanage building on Jl. Pasar Kembang on Wednesday.

The local district court ruled in favor of private firm PT Bina Mobina Raya and against the foundation that manages the orphanage.

PKB civilian guards were deployed to protect the building from execution.

Chairman of the PKB East Java chapter Choirul Anam admitted to fielding his personnel and criticized the police officers for being rude. "We were trying to defend the weak. This is part of the party's policies." (nur/sur)