Abdurrahman named for presidency

SEMARANG: The provincial office of the National Awakening Party (PKB) here announced on Friday its support for the party founding father Abdurrahman Wahid to run for the presidency.

Chief of PKB's Central Java office Noer Iskandar Al-Barsany, said the decision to name Abdurrahman, better known as Gus Dur, as the chapter's sole presidential candidate, was unchangeable.

"We will present our aspiration as soon as possible and are set on fighting to make our nomination accepted," Iskandar said.

He said executives of the provincial party office agreed to choose the National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Amien Rais and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri as vice presidential candidates.

"Both Amien and Megawati fit the bill to accompany Gus Dur because of their commitment to sweeping reforms," Iskandar said.

The three opposition leaders have signed a joint-communique to contain the status quo force.

Iskandar said if Abdurrahman failed or refused to join the race for presidency, the PKB Central Java chapter would pick party chairman Matori Abdul Djalil as an alternate. (har)