Political riots rock three C. Java towns

Political riots rock three C. Java towns

SEMARANG (JP): Political violence shook the Central Java towns
of Pekalongan, Rembang and Temanggung early Sunday, in which nine
people were injured, one house vandalized, several shops attacked
and 15 vehicles set on fire, officials said yesterday.

The latest bout of rioting involved supporters of the Moslem-
oriented United Development Party (PPP) and the government-backed
Golkar party that would compete in next month's election.

Authorities in the three towns said the situation had been
brought under control but residents said tension lingered.

In the batik-producing coastal town of Pekalongan, about 300
kilometers east of Jakarta, the brutality occurred at about 1
a.m. Sunday, the second incident in less than two weeks.

The riot was triggered by the removal of PPP flags from the
streets by government officials. In revenge, they cleared Golkar
banners off the streets.

In the ensuing riot, the mob -- whose affiliation was still
disputed -- broke into a showroom and burned seven motorcycles.
One parked car was also set ablaze.

The angry mob, mostly youths also ransacked dozens of barrels
of chemicals for batik production. Several shops were also
reportedly vandalized.

Pekalongan police chief Col. Solichin told The Jakarta Post
that Sunday's rioting was caused by misunderstanding between
supporters of Golkar and PPP.

"Seven rioters were arrested, but only two of them will be
taken to court," Solichin said.

Sunday's violence was a repetition of rioting last month, when
thousands of people went on the rampage March 24-March 26,
vandalizing shops and property belonging to local Chinese.

The violence reportedly began after PPP supporters became
enraged when the local authorities removed their party's banners
and replaced them with Golkar's.

In last month's unrest, eight people were injured in scuffles
with security personnel and about 60 buildings damaged.

The PPP Central Java chapter has accused local ulemas of
inciting the unrest through their sermons which hurt the party's
image.

It is believed that rioters were also upset because popular
dangdut singer Rhoma Irama, formerly a PPP supporter, crossed
over to Golkar and performed in the town for Golkar.

Thirty people have been sentenced to between three days and
three months imprisonment by the Pekalongan district court for
their involvement in last month's riots.

Though the authorities claimed the situation has returned to
normal many shops remained closed yesterday, residents said.

"I am still scared to open my shop. I'm still shocked by the
repetition of the incident," said Suparlan, a shop owner on Jl.
Buaran.

At about 6 p.m. Sunday, similar violence erupted in the
tobacco-producing town of Temanggung, some 65 kilometers south of
Semarang.

Witnesses said the incident in Temanggung occurred when PPP
supporters clashed with those of dominant Golkar at Ngimbrang
village, Bulu sub-district. Detailed information on the incident
was sketchy.

Seven motorcycles, one car and one house were damaged during
the riot, while eight supporters of the two parties were wounded,
reliable sources told the Post.

The city was still tense, but the situation has returned to
normal, police said.

Meanwhile, the riot in Rembang, some 150 kilometers east of
Semarang, broke out at 9 p.m. Sunday after supporters of the
dominant Golkar burned down a stage, used to hold a religious
sermon.

The sermon, held in commemoration of the PPP's 24th
anniversary, was staged at Krikilan village, which is known to be
a Golkar stronghold.

The violence escalated after the stage, also used for a PPP-
sponsored musical concert, was set ablaze by a group of people
believed to be Golkar supporters.

"I believe that the stage was burned by Golkar supporters in
revenge for what occurred in Pekalongan last month," said a local
resident.

A PPP supporter, Syamsuddin, was stabbed with a knife during
the clash between the two parties' supporters, witnesses said. He
is now being treated at Rembang General Hospital.

An official of the Rembang District Police told the Post that
police are now investigating the riot.

He said that activities went on as usual yesterday.

No houses, buildings or vehicles were reportedly burned or
damaged during the incident. (har/wah/imn)