Factions oppose no confidence vote

MANADO, North Sulawesi: Three factions at the provincial council have rejected the proposal of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction to go ahead with the vote of no confidence against council speaker Syahrial Damopolii, following his statement on freeing North Sulawesi.

Speaking to The Jakarta Post on Tuesday, officials from three factions -- the United Development Party (PPP) faction, the Indonesian Military (TNI)/Police faction and the Golkar Party faction -- stated that there is no urgency to implement the idea.

"In an era of democracy, I think people should express their own opinions," secretary of PPP faction Syacrul Poli said, adding that it was not Damopolii's personal statement.

Councillor Setiadi from TNI/Police faction echoed Poli saying that such action wasn't necessary and the council should instead internally clarify the statement with Damopolii in order to settle the dispute.

Secretary of the Golkar Party faction Victor Maliangkay said that Damopolii's statement was just an opinion and was in fact similar to speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly Amien Rais' ideas on a federal state.

"This is not something to be repeatedly discussed over and over again. It cannot be used to topple anyone," Victor said.

However, PDI Perjuangan faction chairman Djenry Keintjem said that he would continue with efforts to replace Damopolii. (48)