Wahid prayer rally marred by minor blasts

One supporter is overcome by emotion at the prayer rally

JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Two minor explosions have marred an otherwise peaceful Islamic prayer rally in support of President Abdurrahman Wahid.

The rally was taking place one day before parliament was expected to censure Wahid and open the way for impeachment.

Police said at least seven people were injured when small glass bottles exploded within seconds of one another just outside a tightly guarded area filled with 30,000 Wahid supporters.

IN DEPTH Shadows over Indonesia     MESSAGE BOARD Troubles in Indonesia

Worshippers, many of whom were unaware of the blasts, continued to pray as the victims were treated at the scene.

No one claimed responsibility, but organizers blamed the attack on provocateurs wanting to trigger trouble. A third, unexploded bottle was found nearby, police said.

The Muslim congregation, predominanty male and clad in long white robes was expected to build to 100,000 in what would be one of the biggest prayer rallies Jakarta has seen.

Trains and buses crammed with Wahid loyalists, including members of a self-proclaimed suicide squad, have been streaming into the capital for days for the rally.

Wahid was first censured by parliament in February for his role in two financial scandals, but has denied any wrongdoing.

A likely second censure will bring him closer to the prospect of impeachment, which many fear could trigger violence and unrest.

Supporters subdued

Witnesses said the gathering was subdued, with few supporters carrying banners or flags while security was tight but not overbearing.

Wahid had earlier called for calm, asking his supporters to go home and wait for Monday's parliament decision.

Wahid called for calm ahead of the rally, urging supporters to stay away from trouble

Wahid also attended the rally, sitting on the stage floor praying. He was later expected to address supporters who say they just want to support their ailing leader, not make trouble.

"I have come here to pray for the nation as well as for Gus Dur," worshipper Acep Adang Ruhiat told Reuters , referring to Wahid by his nickname.

"I feel very concerned. How are we going to get out of this crisis if Gus Dur and his government is being criticised constantly?" he said.

One of the rally organisers, Rodji, said he expected 100,000 worshippers, mainly from Wahid's political heartland of East Java, to flood the complex but said the atmosphere would remain peaceful.

Wahid has come under increasing criticism for his erratic 17-month rule which has failed to pull Indonesia out of the economic crisis which struck in the late 1990s.

The Associated Press & Reuters contributed to this report.

Wahid parliamentary censure likely
Wahid calls for calm

Indonesia Government

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