Unrest anticipated in E. Java: Police chief

Unrest anticipated in E. Java: Police chief

SURABAYA (JP): East Java's security forces were ready to
anticipate possible outbreaks of violence, ahead of the Aug.1
special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR),
police chief Insp. Gen Sutanto said on Thursday.

"We are all out preparing ourselves to maintain a conducive
situation here. Almost all forces will be deployed, including
backup from the Indonesian Military (TNI) and from Bali Police,"
the police chief told reporters, after attending a meeting with
East Java Governor Imam Utomo at the latter's office.

Sutanto maintained that he had held a meeting with his
subordinates, police chiefs in the province. "They all reported,
that for the time being security was under control."

"I have also instructed provocative (political) banners to be
pulled down immediately," Sutanto added.

The province of 35 million people is well known as the
stronghold for supporters of President Abdurrahman, who was born
in the town of Jombang.

Sutanto branded the province as vulnerable to unrest.

Thousands of Abdurrahman's supporters staged violent rallies
in several towns across the province when the House of
Representatives issued censures against Abdurrahman.

Many are worried that diehard supporters would "take up arms"
if their icon, President Abdurrahman, was impeached or unseated
at the special session on Aug. 1.

Officer Sutanto said that weapons crackdowns at public places,
including bus terminals and railway stations had also been
conducted.

"The most important thing for us is to maintain public safety
before, during and after the MPR special session."

When asked about possible mass mobilization to Jakarta,
Sutanto said,"We have approached kyai, Muslim clerics and ask
them to control their followers."

Earlier, Governor Imam Utomo had instructed subordinates
to take down any inflammatory banners in a bid
to maintain peace ahead of the special session.

"The banners will only disturb the stable situation in our
province," Imam said, when asked to comment on the increase of
banners in several areas in the province over the past few days.

Inflammatory political remarks have been written on the
banners.

For example, in North Surabaya, some banners read: SI Digelar
Perang Saudara Menjalar, (If A Special Session Is Held, Civil War
Will Occur); Amien Rais-Akbar Tandjung, Aku Haus Darahmu, (Amien
Rais-Akbar Tandjung, I Thirst For Your Blood); and Gus Dur
Dijatuhkan, Negara dalam Kehancuran, (If Gus Dur Is Toppled, the
Country Will Be Devastated).

Banners can also be found at public places in several towns in
the province, such as Pasuruan, Bondowoso, Mojokerto, Banyuwangi,
Probolinggo and Sidoarjo. (nur/emf)