Congress costs PDI-P Rp 6b

Congress costs PDI-P Rp 6b

SEMARANG, Central Java: The Indonesian Democratic Party of
Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) will have to fork out about Rp 6
billion to finance its upcoming congress here which is due to be
held from March 26 to April 1.

The congress' local treasurer, Supito said on Thursday about
half the costs would be financed by the party's central board
while the rest would be collectively gathered from party
branches.

Most of the fund will be used to renovate the Marhaens
building, which will be the venue. Renovations include paving the
blocks, setting up new garden lights and painting the building's
walls.

"We will paint the walls white to get rid of the yellow from
former governor Soewardi's time. This will make it look neutral,"
Supito said.

Yellow is the color usually associated with the Golkar Party
and dominated many areas in the city as a result of Golkar's
campaigns during the 1997 election under former president
Soeharto.

He said some 50 thousand party supporters attending the
congress would be provided with free meals and accommodation.

"The meals will be prepared by local women in 20 public
kitchens," he said.

The committee has booked most hotels in Semarang and set up a
media room at Patra Jasa Hotel and a secretariat in the Marhaens
building. (04)