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)