Big crowd to attend PPP anniversary

JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta chapter of the United Development Party (PPP) will mark the party's 28th anniversary with various activities targeting the poor, the organizers said on Monday.

But chairman of the event's organizing committee Chudlary Syafi'i Hadzami said most of the proposed budget, amounting to between Rp 500 and Rp 600 million, would be spent to transport some 130,000 party supporters from several areas in Greater Jakarta to the Senayan Stadium for a mass gathering on Jan. 21, which will cap the anniversary celebration.

The committee has proposed a Rp 1.5 billion (around US$157,900) budget.

Chudlary, who is the deputy chairman of the party's chapter, said the fund will be raised from PPP members, members of the party's faction at the City Council and some other donors.

Social activities preceding the ceremony include mass circumcision and distribution of basic needs to the poor across Jakarta's five mayoralties. Chudlary remained uncertain of the funds allocated for the charity.

According to him, PPP chairman Hamzah Haz will address the party supporters during the Jan. 21 event. Among attendants listed are Hamzah's predecessor Ismail Hasan Metareum and noted preacher Zainuddin M.Z.

A number of singers will add life to the event, Chudlary said. (04)