Dissension in PPP congress

Dissension in PPP congress

MEDAN, North Sumatra: The provincial branch of the Moslem-
based United Development Party (PPP) is facing a rift as a number
of activists try to hold two different congresses.

The first group, led by Ali Jabar Napitupulu, announced
recently it would set up a committee and hold a congress to elect
new leadership. The second group, led by Bachtiar Chamsyah,
followed suit yesterday, announcing its plan to also hold a
congress.

Bachtiar's group asserted that its plan was in accordance with
the party's statute, and said that the first group of activists
was acting out of line.

Bachtiar's spokesman, Najamuddin Nasution, said Napitulu was a
disgruntled activist who could not accept Bachtiar's appointment
as acting chairman of the provincial branch, following the death
of its chairman, Syufri Helmi Tanjung.

Similar disputes have been occurring in some branches of the
party, including Jakarta. (05/swe)