Jakarta – around 2,000 people gathered for a memorial service in Jakarta Saturday to mark one year since violent riots in the capital. Jenny Grant reports from the capital the event went ahead despite a police ban.

The Moslem prayer service was held at the South Jakarta home of ousted opposition leader Megawati Sukarnoputri. on July 27 last year hired thugs backed by armed soldiers invaded the headquarters of the Indonesian democracy party - the P-D-I - to expel a group of Ms. Megawati's supporters who were gathered there.

The invasion by a rival P-D-I faction sparked rioting in Jakarta which left at least five people dead, 149 injured and 16 still missing.

Ms Megawati – dressed in a simple black suit and white lace scarf – said the invasion was a breach of Indonesia's democracy and an offense against God.

A tearful and solemn Ms Megawati urged her supporters and all Indonesians to pray for the dead.

The three hour ceremony in her sprawling backyard included poetry readings and a rousing anti-government speech by a leading Moslem preacher.

The crowd of people from all over the island of Java cheered 'Megawati will win' for the popular opposition figure who is the daughter of Indonesia's first president, Sukarno.

The police said last week they would not give official permission for the event to go ahead. however there were no incidents on Saturday night and only a few police in the vicinity.

Ms Megawati's supporters plan to hold another ceremony outside the party headquarters in Central Jakarta early Sunday.

Military leaders said Friday they are prepared to use force to stop the Sunday wreath laying ceremony which is expected to attract thousands of people.

Truck loads of troops were seen moving into place on Saturday night to prevent the (Sunday) gathering which does not have a police permit.

Ms Megawati was ousted from the P-D-I leadership at a rebel congress in June of last year organised by the government and military.