Printing machines confiscated

BOGOR, West Java: Local authorities have confiscated several machines used to print leaflets calling on the public to boycott the May 29 general election.

Bogor Surya Kencana military district commander Col. Eddi Budianto said his troops were hunting the people suspected of printing and distributing the leaflets.

"We are calling on the public to beware of the situation. If you ever learn of individuals or groups seeking to disturb peace and stability, please report immediately to the local Alert Command Center, or call 122," Eddi said.

Didi Wiardi, the head of the local sociopolitical affairs office, confirmed that his office had confiscated 17 leaflets posted at various intersections in Bogor.

"They were posted at night, and so nobody could have read them because officials took them down immediately," Didi said.

The pamphlets were photocopies of a picture of the chairmen of the three political groupings contesting the general election. The picture was crossed out with a big X.

Underneath the picture was a call to boycott the election issued by the Independent Election Monitoring Committee, and the Democratic People's Party, an unrecognized student group recently accused of masterminding the July 27 riot in Jakarta.

Didi's office plans to question Harry Soba, the committee's Bogor branch chairman. (24)