Two injured in brawl among supporters

SEMARANG: At least two people were injured and two shops and a motorcycle were damaged in a clash between supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and those of Golkar in Pati regency, Central Java.

The PDI Perjuangan youths from Ngemplak Kidul village entered Waturoyo village and pulled down a number of Golkar flags. Local youths protested, and the incident led to a brawl.

Some of the youths involved in the brawl used traditional clurit (crescent-shaped machetes) as weapons. Up to Saturday afternoon, tensions in Waturoyo remained because of rumors there would be further attacks.

Separately, in Semarang, chairman of the Justice and Unity Party (PKP) Edi Sudradjat promised to fight against various social and political ills if it won the elections.

"The people are increasingly divided, and the government is no longer able to solve the situation. There's an absolute need for a national reconciliation," he told 2,000 supporters. (har)