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)