APSN Banner

Wiranto orders no more campaigns

Source
Indonesian Observer - June 25, 1999

Jakarta – Defense Minister/Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) Commander General Wiranto yesterday warned political parties against mobilizing the masses or conducting shows of force as the campaign period is long over.

"The campaign period which allowed political parties to mobilize masses and make shows of force in large numbers is over. The authorities will take stiff measures in line with the existing laws and regulations against groups of people from any political parties who defy law," Wiranto told the press after attending a cabinet meeting on security and law enforcement.

His statement appeared to be aimed at members of the left-wing Democratic People's Party (PRD), who have staged many rallies after the election, protesting against election fraud conducted by the ruling Golkar Party.

Several PRD members in these post-election protests were hospitalized after military personnel beat the living daylights out of them.

Wiranto said his call for no mass mobilizations by political parties was made for the sake of the people, as most Indonesians no longer want to see any more rallies.

PRD activists are tired of being attacked but they won't stop their rallies. Yesterday's three-hour cabinet meeting also discussed matters relating to the planned ballot in East Timor.

Country