Police detain 24 more people for infringing campaign rules

JAKARTA (JP): Police took 24 more people for questioning yesterday over campaign-rule infringements, taking the number under interrogation to 46.

Twenty-four supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) were caught handing out roses to people on the streets of South Jakarta in a "sympathetic campaign".

A police source said rose distribution did not break the law.

"But if distributing flowers causes traffic problems, then it should be stopped," the officer said.

The other 22 detainees, who were arrested earlier this week, were supporters of either the PDI, the United Development Party or Golkar.

The City Police Special Deployment Force's chief, Col. Arthur Damanik, said Wednesday the 22 had violated article 362 of the Criminal Code.

"They were charged with stealing property," Arthur said.

He said the 22 had allegedly destroyed or stolen signs, or banners of the parties contesting the May 29 election.

Police have received many complaints of signs and banners being destroyed, the source said. Police have also recorded several violations of campaign rules, especially regarding motorcades causing traffic jams.

Ridwan, a third-year East Jakarta high school student, died Wednesday afternoon after falling off a truck in a Golkar rally. (cst)