E. Java PDI still in crisis

E. Java PDI still in crisis

SURABAYA, East Java: The central executive board of the
Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) has refused to rescind its
decision to choose Soetjipto as the new provincial party chapter
chairman.

"The PDI chief (Megawati Soekarnoputri) will soon meet East
Java governor to reassert her stand," Soetjipto was quoted by
Antara news agency as saying.

Megawati's choice of Soetjipto has been rejected by East Java
government officials, who would like to see his arch rival Latief
Pudjosakti be re-elected.

She intervened after the recent local party congress failed to
determine the new party branch chairman. The political crisis
lingers because Latief, with apparent local government support,
has formed a rival board of leadership. (pan)