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)