Terror continues at Budiman's village

Terror continues at Budiman's village

BOGOR (JP): There was a second explosion at the house of the
parents of Budiman Sudjatmiko, chairman of the People's
Democratic Party (PRD), in the village of Sukaresmi here on
Thursday, following an explosion a day earlier.

The second explosion, smaller than the first blast, left a
hole as big as a man's fist in the ground and the smell of sulfur
hanging in the air.

A neighbor, Sujiman, 50, said he saw a flare at the same time
the explosion was heard.

Wartono Karyo Utomo, Budiman's father, said he had just
returned from a night patrol with other village residents when
the explosion occurred. "It was 1:15 a.m. when I returned home
and the explosion took place about 30 minutes later when I was
listening to the radio."

"I dashed outside to see what was going on," Wartono said. "I
believe that the explosions are related to my son Budiman's
political activities. This is mental terrorism against us."

Budiman's mother Sri Sulastri said on Wednesday that two
people came to the house on Sunday inquiring about Budiman's
address.

Bogor Police deputy chief Comr. Damisnur said he was not
certain that the hole was caused by the blast on Thursday.

"It was just a small explosion from a firecracker," the
officer said. "I have ordered my men to investigate the case,
including questioning the house owners. Who knows, maybe the
explosion was arranged by Budiman's men. It's possible."

Sulastri mother protested the officer's suggestion. "Budiman
and his friends respect me very much."

Some parties accuse PRD of practicing communism, which is
banned in Indonesia.

The party has also been accused of being involved in several
violent incidents in the country, including the destruction of
Golkar Party offices in several towns in East Java and
Yogyakarta. (21/sur)