30,000 youths rally in support of Golkar

30,000 youths rally in support of Golkar

JAKARTA (JP): An estimated 30,000 young supporters of Golkar
held a noisy rally here yesterday, vowing to help the ruling
political grouping seize victory in next year's general
elections.

"I command you, the youths of Golkar, to close ranks and work
to win as many votes as possible for Golkar in the 1997 general
elections," Chairman Harmoko said in a fiery speech, to the loud
applause of the supporters at the Senayan eastern parking lot.

Harmoko attended the rally with Secretary General Ary
Mardjono, several cabinet ministers, and leaders of Golkar-linked
youth organizations.

"The youths of Golkar are ready to safeguard and win the 1997
election for Golkar, and to confront those who seek to disturb
the general election," Yorrys Raweyai of the Pemuda Pancasila
organization declared.

The rally was not intended to be a show of force nor a
maneuver to "scare the other political groupings", said Akbar
Tandjung, the minister of public housing who attended the rally
in his capacity as a member of Golkar's board of patrons.

"The rally is to commemorate Golkar's 32nd anniversary which
falls on Oct. 20. Golkar wanted to know just how ready its youths
were. That's all," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

The other political organizations -- the United Development
Party (PPP) and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) -- are
welcomed to hold similar gatherings, he said.

Later in the day, Harmoko hosted a dinner for representatives
from the ruling parties of some friendly countries, including
Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, China,
North Korea and South Korea. (swe)