Strong criticism of President Abdurrahman Wahid’s administration has led to a boycott of Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Amien Rais. He was even banned from entering East Java—the staunchest front of the president’s supporters. He then chose to go on a trip around Sumatra.

Last week, Amien’s entourage—comprising 95 people, including Marwah Daud Ibrahim—departed from Jakarta for Ban