Surabaya – Hundreds of members of an Islamic social organisation [Indonesian Anti-Communist Front, FAKI – JB] in East Java “boycotted” a regional conference of the National Liberation Party of Unity (Papernas) in Batu City yesterday. The group forcibly broke up the Papernas event that was being held at a hotel because they believe Papernas is a new communist party in Indonesia.

Aside from almost forcing their way into the conference venue, in an act of blind rage they also tore down Papernas flags that were erected in the vicinity of the hotel then set fire to them. The situation finally calmed down after the two parties and police agreed that the first regional Papernas conference would be canceled.

After a short interval however, Papernas members apparently reneged on the agreement and barricaded themselves into the building. At 10pm they finally agreed to close down the event. Under a tight police escort, scores of Papernas members were then evacuated from the hotel. The regional conference that was planned to be held over two days was finally over. (ZIZ/Noor Ramadhan and Eko Saktia)

[Translated by James Balowski.]