Surabaya – Security forces fired warning shots into the air in an attempt to disperse thousands of supporters of President Abdurrahman Wahid who tried to forcibly enter the provincial legislative council building here on Tuesday.

Five people, including two policemen were injured in the fray which broke out around 11.15am. Among the injured were three demonstrators who were hit by stray rubber bullets and two policemen who were stoned by the crowds.

Later in the day Surabaya Regional Police arrested a member of Sampang regency legislative council named Imam Abdul Cholid who allegedly led a group of protesters from the Kemayoran Mosque to storm the provincial council building, which is located opposite the mosque. Imam was being questioned at the Surabaya Regional Police headquarters.

The protesters demanded President Abdurrahman remain in office along with Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri until his term ends in 2004. They also strongly rejected the holding of the special session that could lead to Abdurrahman's impeachment.

It is also reported that thousands of Abdurrahman's supporters tried to force entry into the local TVRI state television to air their demands but failed due to the heavy security at the station. They eventually headed for a former office of SCTV private television.

As of 2pm the crowds of protesters were still seen roaming around the city's streets. Similar massive protests also took place in the East Java towns of Pasuruan and Sidoardjo. Shops and business activities were halted as people feared further unrest.