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)