Police raid PUDI office, 5 arrested

SURABAYA, East Java: Five local activists from the unrecognized Indonesian Democratic Union Party (PUDI) were arrested Monday when security forces raided its office in Malang, East Java.

Malang Police Chief Hary Sudewo said yesterday those arrested were local PUDI chairman Moch. Faiqh, 23, secretary Nurussuluhi Nawawi, 27, and three other members.

But the members -- Lilla Martasari, 22, Dedi Suprapto 21, and Rico Farisha, 28 -- were released shortly after the arrest.

Hary said police and military officers raided PUDI's chapter here after receiving a tip-off from local residents that the activists were plotting a big street demonstration to exploit pressing economic issues.

The security team confiscated books and newspaper clippings, an air rifle, a machete, and posters of Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini, PUDI's chairman Sri Bintang Pamungkas, Indonesia's founding president Sukarno and opposition figure Megawati Soekarnoputri.

PUDI was established in 1994 by Bintang, who is currently on trial for allegedly trying to undermine the authorities through his activities within the party. (nur)