One of the key members of the Indonesian Parliament yesterday called on President Abdurrahman Wahid to resign amid rising tension over his impossible impeachment.
Police fired warning shots in East Java as supporters of President Wahid torched an office of the rival Golkar party, increasing fears of an eruption of violence.
The chief of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Mr Amien Rais, a one-time key Wahid ally and now one of his most vocal enemies, said yesterday the President had lost public support. He called on him to surrender power peacefully to avoid impeachment and months of instability and confusion.
Mr Rais said if Mr Wahid does not resign, he would be humiliated and impeached.
"It is too costly not only for him, his party, but also for us - all the people of Indonesia. He is playing a very stupid game. But I believe he's been so reckless and so imprudent, creating chaos for the sake of his presidency."
The party of the Vice-President, Ms Megawati Sukarnoputri, is still standing by Mr Wahid.
Last week's parliamentary censure of the President is the first step towards possible impeachment. The process is long and complicated and many fear it could lead to months of unrest and uncertainty.
Mr Wahid has refused to quit, saying he is innocent and still has enough support in parliament.
Meanwhile thousands of his supporters rallied for the third straight day in heavily-populated East Java yesterday, chanting and waving banners reading: "We are ready to die for Gus Dur! (Wahid)."
The rallies turned violent, with demonstrators stoning and setting fire to the Golkar office before police dispersed them with warning shots. On Sunday, there were minor clashes between Wahid supporters and opponents in the area.