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)