Thousands of PPP supporters flood the capital's streets

Thousands of PPP supporters flood the capital's streets

JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of thousands of United Development
Party (PPP) supporters came out in full force in rowdy street
rallies across the capital, causing several accidents and massive
traffic jams along thoroughfares on Tuesday.

Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Thamrin were packed as party convoys
flocked to and lingered around the Hotel Indonesia roundabout.
Other streets such as Jl. Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta, Jl.
K.M. Mansur, Central Jakarta, Jl. Raya Kebon Jeruk, in West
Jakarta were also packed with supporters.

Groups of residents along the streets and supporters of other
parties who happened to meet one another warmly greeted the PPP
supporters who waved flags and attributes.

An accident took place in front of the President Hotel on Jl.
Thamrin, injuring two PPP supporters. One was identified as Joko
from Karet area in Central Jakarta.

The accident occurred when a Suzuki Feroza jeep collided with
a motor car that two supporters were riding in.

Joko received a head injury while his friend suffered an
injury to his leg. The two were rushed to nearby Cipto
Mangunkusumo General Hospital.

The head of PPP's Jakarta chapter Djafar Badjeber, who
appeared on the scene, admitted he could not control the convoys.

Djafar attributed the large rally turnout to what he believed
as a feeling of being challenged among PPP supporters because the
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan)
supporters came out in droves and painted the capital red.

"They are fed up by PDI Perjuangan supporters who packed all
of the city's streets when it was their turn to campaign," he
told The Jakarta Post.

He also admitted that the Tuesday convoy was a violation of
the campaigning rule, "but almost all the parties have violated
the rule anyway," he said.

Meanwhile, at a speech, PPP leader Bun Yamin Ramto promised
the party would fight against poverty and unemployment, and would
strive to improve education. He blamed social ills on the New
Order regime.

"The New Order regime caused poverty and unemployment because
of its officials' corrupt practices. We should not trust and
choose their remnants any longer," said Bun Yamin, also the
former deputy governor of Jakarta, in front of at least 2,000
supporters at Kebon Jeruk soccer field in West Jakarta.

Meanwhile, PPP deputy chairman Faisal Basiir said the party
hoped to win at the polls in the city as it did in 1977.

Faisal used the platform to lash out at Golkar Party and
government officials at all levels for the intimidation they
launched on PPP executives and supporters after that victory
year.

"I myself had to resign from my job as a civil servant, as did
many other PPP executives at that time. Former minister of home
affairs (the late) Soepardjo Rustam should bear the
responsibility for what he did to PPP even in his grave," he
said.

Soepardjo, once was also the coordinating minister of people's
welfare, died on April 11, 1993.

Faisal said it remained the same old party, despite it having
a new name as Golkar Party.

"We were once treated unfairly. It's high time for us to show
our strength to win at the poll," he said.

The next president and the city governor would be chosen from
PPP people if the party wins the elections, he said.

Almost half of the 2,000 supporters left the soccer field and
proceeded in street reallies before Faisal ended his speech.

Meanwhile, chairmen of two parties, the Islamic Community
Party (PUI) and the Muslim Community Awakening Party (PKU) told
reporters they had agreed to merge extra votes with other Islamic
parties.

PKU chairman Yusuf Hasyim said the party was ready to merge
extra votes, but not with the National Awakening Party (PKB),
which was established by his nephew Abdurrahman Wahid.

"We only want to merge our extra votes with Islamic parties.
PKB is not an Islamic party as its leaders have said," he
reasoned before the party gathering at the North Jakarta youth
center.

Yusuf and Abdurrahman have for years been engaged in political
rivalry.

Chairman of PUI Deliar Noer said the party fully agreed to the
plan. "We are still discussing the issue with other Islamic
parties, I hope we will soon reach an agreement."

Supporters of MKGR Party, the Indonesian Muslim Awakening
Party (KAMI), the Indonesian United Islam Party (PSII) and the
Indonesian Democrats Alliance Party (PADI) held their own parades
in much fewer numbers.

Some 700 supporters of the Indonesian National Party led by
Supeni gathered at Kebon Jeruk indoor stadium in West Jakarta
where the party's executives delivered speeches on its programs.

Supporters of the other parties which were scheduled to
campaign on Tuesday -- namely the Indonesian Christian National
Party and New Indonesia Party -- were not seen on the streets.
(jun/ind)