Akbar loyalist out of election

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