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)