30,000 expected to flood Singapore amid Indo poll fears

Indonesia voters go to the polls on June 7 and many Chinese fear a repeat of the ethnic violence that rocked the country last year.

Many multinational firms are also evacuating their expatriate staff, adding to the Singapore squeeze.

From this weekend, almost all flights out of Jakarta and other leading cities are fully booked, with long waiting lists.

"We're finding it impossible to get tickets," one Singapore travel agent said.

Advertisements already are appearing in Singapore seeking temporary accommodation.

One, pinned on a notice-board at a supermarket near Holland Village, reads: "Wanted: Singapore homes or apartments to rent, May to September. Indonesian-Chinese families willing to pay S$2,000-$3,000 (HK$9,000-13,500) a month."

Sales director of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Julie Koo said: "Last year there was a sudden mass exit. This time they are more organised."

Singapore Airlines, which is the most expensive carrier operating in and out of Jakarta, is believed to be the only airline which still has spare seats on some flights.

The airline's vice-president for public affairs, Rick Clements, said: "We will try to meet increased demand."

The carrier was one of several to provide extra flights during last summer's exodus after rioters attacked thousands of homes, factories and shops, many owned by ethnic Chinese.

Singapore Tourism Board figures show 121,345 Indonesians entered the republic last May during the violence that precipitated President Suharto's downfall.

Next Tuesday marks the anniversary of last year's night of anarchy, when hundreds died as buildings were torched and dozens of ethnic Chinese women were sexually assaulted.

Those troubles were unexpected, but Indonesia's ethnic community is now better prepared for more violence.

Many families have reservations in serviced apartments and leased flats or have arranged to stay with Singapore-based friends and relatives to avoid last-minute bookings in expensive hotels.

In Manila, about 100 ethnic Chinese staged a protest at the Indonesian Embassy to mark the anniversary of the anti-Chinese riots. The protesters placed candles and a wreath on the embassy gate as they brandished placards claiming Jakarta had not made a real effort to find those guilty of instigating the riots.