Budi Sugiharto, Surabaya – A declaration of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) in the East Java provincial capital of Surabaya has been marred by a fist fight. Six youths, supporters of PDI-P chairperson former President Megawati Sukarnoputri, forcibly broke up the event. PDI-P Reform Movement leader Sukowaluyo Mintohardjo was spat on in the face.

The declaration was held at the Wanita Building on Jalan Kali Bokor on Saturday February 26.

The brawl started when six unidentified youths began shouting, calling for PDI-P cadre to leave the room. “Whoever defends Ibu Mega leave the room”, shouted one of the youths raising their fist.

The six youths then tried to climb onto the podium and grab the microphone but were prevented by other participants. A fist fight then broke out which resulted in one of the Reform Movement activists suffering serious bruises to the face. Seats were even thrown and scattered over the floor.

The 100 or so participants ran helter-skelter leaving the room. One of the initiators of the PDI-P Reform Movement, Mintohardjo was unlucky. Mintohardjo, who at the time was sitting in the front row of seats was spat on by one of the rioting pro-Mega youths. He appeared to be unable to do anything.

It was only after the brawl was over that a number of police arrived and took control of the situation.

Must be investigated

Following the brawl, Mintohardjo said he regretted the anarchistic behaviour. “If they are Megawati supporters, there’s no need to create violence. That will only smear Megawati’s good name. The police must investigate the perpetrators of this violence”, he asserted.

Megawati’s younger brother and PDI-P Reform supporter Guruh Soekarnoputra had initially been scheduled to appear at the event however because it forcibly broken up he failed to show his face. (aan)

[Translated by James Balowski.]