Stoned train

Stoned train

From Media Indonesia

I assumed it would be convenient to take an Argo Bromo or Sembrani train. On Oct. 5, I traveled by Sembrani train from Jakarta to Surabaya, East Java, at 5:40 p.m..

I really looked forward to a good rest on the train after having had a few restless nights. I found the journey from Jakarta to Cirebon fairly comfortable, but when the train left Cirebon I was shocked over what happened. Our train was stoned from left and right, virtually breaking all the windows. The rain of stones went on until the train neared Pekalongan station. The passengers moved away from the window for fear of being hit by stray stones. The stone-throwing did not stop at Pekalongan, but went on even when the train neared Semarang.

It all started when the fans of Mitra soccer team threw stones at the houses on both sides of the railway track on their way from Surabaya to Jakarta. But why should innocent passengers become victims of the resident's vengefulness? The passengers were residents of Surabaya and had nothing to do with the stone throwers. All passengers had to protect their heads with pillows rented from the train's crew.

Considering this situation, I wonder whether a team should take its fans along to matches. Who is responsible for the incident, the governor, mayor or village chief?

H. SOEHARTO

Surabaya, East Java