Akbar loyalist out of election

SURABAYA: The leader of Golkar's provincial chapter in East Java, Ridwan Hisyam, dropped on Wednesday his bid for a second term as head of the chapter.

His withdrawal was announced by his deputy Farid Gaffar on the sidelines of the congress to elect the chapter's next leader.

Ridwan, who is also the deputy speaker of the East Java legislature, is not attending the congress, which was opened by Golkar deputy leader Agung Laksono.

Ridwan is known for his close ties with former Golkar leader Akbar Tandjung, who lost his post to Vice President Jusuf Kalla earlier this month. -- Antara