Jakarta – The United Opposition Front (Barisan Oposisi Bersatu, BOB) says that the Saviors of the Nation Forum (Forum Penyelamat Bangsa) which has been conceived by [National Mandate Party chairperson] Amien Rais and [Justice and Prosperity chairperson] Hidayat Nurwahid is quasi-unity, a pretence and just pragmatic. This statement was issued by BOB, which is made up of 14 social organisations, in a press release on Monday April 19.

They also criticised the alliance of 17 political parties who plan is to uncover act of fraud in the elections and coming presidential elections, which is only for their immediate interests. They believe that this alliance of parties has no clear platform or program to build joint unity either in the medium or long term.

As well issuing a statement, they also gave speeches in front of the Borobudur Hotel where the National Election Commission is tabulating the 2004 election results. However they were unable to enter because they were held back by police who were guarding the gates to the building.

The statement was signed by representatives from the Muhamadiyah Students Association, the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), the Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi), the Indonesian National Labour Front for Struggle (FNPBI), the Islamic Students Association (HMI), the People’s Democratic Party (PRD), the Association of Indonesian Buddhist Students and the Associated of Evicted People.

[Translated by James Balowski.]