Wealthy Chinese donate goods as fresh riot erupts
SURABAYA (JP): Scores of Chinese Indonesian entrepreneurs, who have been regular targets of recent violent protests over soaring prices, donated essential commodities and money to the needy here yesterday.
Their action follows weeks of threats aimed at wealthy citizens of Chinese origin whom many people believe should be held responsible for the current crisis.
Meanwhile, fresh rioting broke out in the Southeast Sulawesi capital of Kendari yesterday during which dozens of shops and private offices were pelted with stones.
Sponsored by East Java Governor Basofi Sudirman and Surabaya Mayor Sunarto Sumoprawiro, the entrepreneurs' charity was aimed at demonstrating wealthy people's solidarity with their countrymen who have borne the brunt of the worsening economic crisis.
Five hundred and ninety boxes of instant noodles, 16.5 tons of sugar, 1,026 tons of rice, 8,500 liters of kerosene, 85 grams of gold and Rp 154 million in cash were handed over.
The donation would be given to 960 poor families across East Java, Basofi said.
Among the donors were Bintoro Tanjung of Gudang Garam, Herman Djauhar of Bogasari, Alim Markus of Maspion Group, Henry Gunawan of Surya Inti Group, Bambang Suyanto of Kedaung Setia Group and Teguh Kinarto of Podo Djojo Makmur Group
"We live and make money in Indonesia and therefore there is no reason why we should refuse social activity like this," said Alim Markus, the entrepreneurs' spokesman.
Basofi said he was pleased with the donation but denied he had twisted the businessmen's arms for it.
Sacrifice
But Surabaya Mayor Sunarto said the rich needed to sacrifice part of their wealth for the needy to minimize the threat of violence in this time of crisis.
Since last month, security officers have been closely guarding business districts, traditional markets and other public places amid incessant rumors of imminent widespread unrest.
Prominent shopping malls Tunjungan Plaza and Jembatan Merah Plaza and the Juanda International Airport have all been targeted with bomb hoaxes.
Properties of Chinese Indonesians, who dominate the country's business activities, have become the prime target of the continuing food riots.
The Kendari riot involved more than 6,000 people and was spearheaded by college students.
The unrest occurred during a march by thousands of students from various state and private colleges around the city. It soon turned violent after some students began throwing stones at shops and private offices.
As they marched, hundreds of fishermen, pedicab drivers, laborers and high school students joined in, Antara reported.
Several hundred police and soldiers managed to stop the mob that marched in three groups toward the central business district.
The report did not mention casualty figures or if anyone was arrested.
Reports from the South Sulawesi capital of Ujungpandang yesterday said the city was tense as bomb threats continued.
Over the past week, there have been four bomb threats. Bank Danamon and Bank Central Asia were among those targeted.
In Ende, on Flores, police said the number of people arrested in connection with the Feb. 8 food riot rose to 56 yesterday.
Spokesman for the East Nusa Tenggara police command Maj. Sismantoro said the suspects would be taken to court on charges of rioting.
In the riot, 21 shops were razed and another 71 badly damaged. (nur/yac/37/pan)