152 PDI activists defect to Golkar

DILI, East Timor: As many as 152 members of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) in the Dili district of Atauro defected to Golkar yesterday.

"We join of our own volition because we are happy with Golkar's promise to improve farmers' and fisherpeople's welfare," said Domingos Xavier, who formerly chaired the PDI's Atauro district branch office.

Chairman of the Dili-branch of Golkar Filomeno Ximenes said his organization received all 152 of the former PDI members "with an open heart".

When reached for confirmation, chairman of PDI's branch office here Gabriel da Costa said he was surprised and would check on the report. (33/08)