Former Army chief sets up party

Former Army chief sets up party

JAKARTA: Former Army chief Gen. (ret) R. Hartono announced on Sunday a new party called the Functional Nation Concern (KPB), whose immediate aim is to participate in the 2004 general election.

Hartono, who is also the former minister of home affairs, heads the party, which started from a social organization named the Functional Group of National Concern, established two years ago.

A number of former high-ranking military officers and businessmen, such as Gen. (ret) Rudini and Probosutedjo, attended the party's launch.

"KPB has 30 regional offices in the country, therefore we are ready to participate in the 2004 elections," Hartono said.

Hartono said KPB was aimed at realizing national security and improving people's welfare. --Antara