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48 groups join 'anti-sin' demo in Solo

Source
Detik - November 25, 2000

Muchus B. Rahayu/GB, Solo – As many as 48 mass organisations joined a massive convoy around the streets of Solo (Surakarta) in central Java demanding that all activities offensive to Muslims be totally stopped during the holy fasting month of Ramadhan which most Muslims will celebrate tomorrow, Monday.

Around 30 vehicles ferried the demonstrators around the city Sunday. They were seen off from grounds of the Agung Mosque by the head of the Crescent Star Party (PBB), Ahmad Sumargono. All of the demonstrators were men and many were dressed in long white robes characteristic of the orthodox Muslim.

They did not make a lot of noise but managed to cause traffic jams throughout the city although ordinary citizens did not seem to object too loudly but observed the event passively. The demonstrators passed the Manahan stadium, down Jl. Ahmad Yani, through Tirtonadi, Mojosongo, Panggung and Taman Satwa Taru Jurug and on via Jl. Suryo to Warung Pelem, the Solihin mosque to Kotabarat via Gendingan and Jl. Slamet Riyadi, they eventually finished off at the Town Hall in the center of the city.

Many of the demonstrators also sported the characteristic red T-shirts and bull symbol of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) headed by Vice President Megawati Sukarnoputri. One of the vans sported a huge banner reading 'PDIP is anti-sin'.

Controversy currently surrounds policies governing the right of entertainment venues to open during the holy month. In Solo, Jakarta and elsewhere, many groups have vowed to forcibly close down venues where illicit and other activities they deem offensive to Islam are conducted.

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