Devi Asmarani, Jakarta – Jaded residents here are going about their business as usual despite the looming threat of unrest as politicians and their supporters head for a showdown next Monday.

Offices are not planning to shut down and schools will most likely stay open next week despite the potential for unrest should the different groups of protesters clash. Those interviewed by The Straits Times said they have become immune to threats of violence and have no plans to leave the capital ahead of next week's session.

However, local media reported long queues for visas at the US Embassy this week. Said Ms Linda Mangunsong, country manager of IT firm Infrontier: "I don't think people are as concerned as they used to be. In the past, every time we heard there would be a massive rally, the office would close for the day.

"Now we know that if the rally has been anticipated for long, then nothing usually happens because the security personnel are prepared."

Mr Barito Riviera, who works for a private steel company, said the decision to close the office was usually made on the day of the protest. "We monitor television and radio that day. If there are riots somewhere, then we'd go home early. But we have no specific contingency plan," he said.

Said Madam Puspita, a mother of two: "I'm tired of rumours that there will be unrest, and I believe this has all been exaggerated. "My kids will still go to school next week. I will just stay home or avoid roads that are jammed with protesters."

But many have stocked up groceries over the past few days, fearing that shops would be closed because of tension next week. In some major supermarkets, products like baby formula are in short supply due to panic buying.

The security forces, however, are taking no chances with reports that tens of thousands of President Abdurrahman Wahid's die-hard backers are on their way to the capital in a show of loyalty.

Soldiers and police are intensifying their presence in the capital five days before the momentous parliament session to decide on the second censure against the President.

The parliament compound has turned into one of the most protected sites in the country, teeming with troops and surrounded by barbed wires and portable fibreglass walls filled with water. The Indonesian military said dozens of armoured cars would be deployed to evacuate MPs, should the President's supporters try to occupy the parliament building.

Outside the compound, thousands of police have been checking weapons at major entry points to the capital ahead of Monday's parliamentary session. Some 42,000 personnel will be deployed to anticipate potential clashes between the President's supporters and critics on that day.

The Health Ministry said 43 emergency rooms at state clinics and 111 state and private hospitals in Jakarta and the surrounding cities were prepared for possible casualties.

The President's supporters are expected to attend a mass prayer event organised by his Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muslim organisation on Sunday and stay around to show their support for the embattled leader when parliament meets the next day.