Paiton I besieges by the mass

The coal-fired Paiton I power plant in Probolinggo, East Java, was surrounded by the mass on Tuesday believed to be the fanatic supporters of the embattled President Abdurrahman Wahid.

But Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Purnomo Yusgiantoro has asked the provincial military commander to immediately secure the power plant, which is an important source of power for the Java-Bali power network.

The East Java military commander was reportedly to have already sent three group of troops to secure the Paiton I power plant facility.

The fanatic supporters of Abdurrahman had been rioting in several parts in East Java to protest the move by the President's opponents at the House of Representatives to launch an impeachment process. The House is set to convene today. Abdurrahman has earlier warned that if the House proceeded with the plan, there could be horizontal conflict between his supporters and opponents.

There has also been concern that if situation turns bad, the President might be tempted to impose a civil emergency status. (amoros)