Street brawls mar Golkar rally in Sout Sulawesi

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): Street brawls marred Golkar party chief Harmoko's visit here yesterday for the last day of campaigning.

The unrest occurred in Ujung Tanah subdistrict, known to be a United Development Party (PPP) stronghold, when Golkar supporters riding trucks and motorcycles were pelted with stones by residents.

The Golkar supporters stopped and threw stones at the residents' houses, causing widespread damage, eyewitnesses said.

The situation was brought under control at about 6 p.m. when marines were sent in to reinforce the overwhelmed riot police.

There was no immediate report on casualties or the extent of the damage.

Eyewitnesses said the Golkar supporters involved in the violence had been unable to get into the rally venue at the Karebosi soccer field.

The main attraction at the rally was the Dangdut folk music show by Rhoma Irama, a former PPP supporter who has crossed to Golkar, and several other singers from Jakarta.

Golkar, which is looking to win more than 90 percent of the vote in South Sulawesi, also fielded senior provincial party officials Beddu Amang, Andi Matalatta and Tanri Abeng.

Harmoko told the crowd that people should vote for Golkar if they wanted to see the nation's development continue.

Realistic

"Vote for the contestant which has the ability to develop Indonesia. Golkar is the most realistic choice," said Harmoko, who appeared on stage with his wife, Sri Harmoko, who is a Golkar candidate in Central Java.

He said Golkar had the professionalism and experience that Indonesia needed to develop. "Golkar has the concept and expertise," he said to the crowd's thunderous applause.

Golkar started campaigning last month in the West Java town of Lebak, one of Indonesia's poorest areas, and ended it in Ujungpandang, the fastest growing city in the eastern provinces.

Harmoko called on the public to maintain peace and order during the cooling-off period, which starts today and lasts until May 28, the day before the election day.

"Beware of people wanting to provoke and slander others with the aim to foil the election," he said.

In the Southeast Sulawesi capital Kendari, a truck packed with Golkar supporters overturned, killing six people and injuring 63 others, 11 seriously.

Antara reported that the accident happened at about 7:15 a.m. in Pohara village, 26 kilometers west of Kendari.

The truck overturned while taking a sharp bend. It was reportedly traveling at 15 kilometers per hour. (pan/30/31/37)