12 parties sign West Java accord

BANDUNG: Chapters of 12 Muslim-based political parties here signed an accord on Tuesday evening to share a platform and compete fairly for the June 7 general election.

Yusril Ihza Mahendra, chairman of the Crescent Star Party (PPB), said the parties saw the need to get together in West Java because they were sure legislators elected from the province would have a big say in future Indonesian politics.

Signatories were PBB, the Justice Party (PK), the Indonesian Muslim Awakening Party (KAMI), the Muslim Community Awakening Party (PKU), the Islamic Community Party (PUI), the Indonesian Masyumi Islamic Political Parties (PPIM), the Indonesian United Islam Party 1905 (PSII-1905), the Indonesian United Islam Party (PSII), the United Party (PP), the Nahdlatul Ummat Party (PNU), the New Masyumi and the United Development Party (PPP). (43)