Rumors of riots rock Surabaya

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)