Rumors of riots rock Surabaya

SURABAYA: The military played down yesterday rumors of impending riots on July 7 in Madura, Jember, Situbondo, Pasuruan and other parts of East Java.

Provincial security spokesman Lt. Col. S. Soebagio said the rumors in East Java -- particularly on Madura island -- were intended to terrorize people.

Antara reported that the rumors of simultaneous riots have circulated far and wide in the past three days.

The towns rumored to be affected are known as strongholds of the Moslem-based United Development Party (PPP).

The towns have already been hit by election violence, involving supporters of the PPP and the government-backed party, Golkar. The riots damaged government buildings, shops and public property.

On a recent trip to Madura, locals asked Soebagio about the rumored riots.

"I was confused when people came and asked me that question," he said. (pan)