Rallies continue despite House's censure of Gus Dur

JAKARTA (JP): Persistent opponents of President Abdurrahman Wahid seemed to keep their word on Friday to continue rallying until their demand -- that the President steps down -- is fulfilled.

In Yogyakarta some 800 students from various universities and organizations, including the Muslim Students Association (HMI), rallied on Friday, calling on President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid to resign.

Some of the students marched from their campuses at the northern end of the city to the Malioboro thoroughfare soon after Friday noon prayer, while some others walked from the provincial legislative council.

They converged in front of the State Building (Gedung Negara) on Malioboro, and began their street action, causing serious traffic congestion.

Waving posters and banners, the students rallied against corruption, collusion and nepotistic (KKN) practices. A banner read "Save the Reform Movement", and others read "Stop New KKN" and "Resign in Honor, Gus", referring to the President.

One of the students shouted;"Eight out of ten factions at the House concluded that Gus Dur may have links to the Bulog and Brunei financial scandals. There's no reason for him to retain his post."

Fadhilah, of the Indonesian Islamic University (UII) said that Gus Dur could no longer claim to have support from the majority.

"Gus Dur may be a good leader, but he is just a human who can make mistakes. To err is human," said Fadhilah.

The protesters dispersed peacefully at almost 4 p.m.

In the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar, around 20 lawyers, human rights activists and law students representing the Makassar Law Community marched to the provincial legislature urging that the legislature press the House of Representatives (DPR) to start the special session (to impeach the President) soon.

"The special session will wipe out any uncertainty that the public may have regarding what further steps should be taken in the handling of Gus Dur's saga," Sulthani, the group spokesman said.

The protesters also wanted the People's Consultative Assembly's mandate for the President to be withdrawn, and asked the military and police to remain loyal to the public.

In Surabaya, the East Java branch of the Indonesian Islamic Students Association (KAMMI) said in a press release signed by one of its chairmen Supariyanto that Gus Dur should talk to his own inner self and take a wise step by resigning. Copies of the press release dated Feb. 2, 2001 was distributed to reporters.

Chairman of East Java Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Ali Maschan Moesa called on NU members to remain calm.

"There have been situations where other pro-New Order groups have opposed and challenged NU. Therefore NU supporters must abide by NU leaders' directives."

He did not explain what he meant by pro-New Order groups.

A tense situation occurred in the Central Java town of Jepara on Friday when two large groups of supporters and opponents of Abdurrahman Wahid met face-to-face at a demonstration in the regency legislature.

A large number of policemen managed to separate the two groups, whose members brought sharp weapons in their hands, before a brawl took place.

Gus Dur's supporters said that pro-New Order groups were behind efforts to topple Gus Dur, waging banners reading "Jepara santri are behind Gus Dur", and "Ever onward to defend kyai".

While those opposing Gus Dur said that waving banners read, among others "Defending Gus Dur will make the country collapse".

After making speeches and submitting "political statements" the protesters dispersed peacefully.

Meanwhile in the town of Salatiga some 5,000 people of the Forum for Defend Santri's Mandate held a mass prayer for the survival of Gus Dur - Megawati Soekarnoputri duo. They also read political statements for the House speaker Akbar Tandjung. "Gus Dur and Megawati are the legitimate President and Vice President to deal with the chaotic situation created by the New Order regime."

Santri are students of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren). Most pesantren in Java belong to NU, the religious organization base of Gus Dur's elders. (23/27/nur/har)