Golkar backs proposed Irian split

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The ruling Golkar Party revealed here on Tuesday that it backed the government's proposal to divide Irian Jaya into three provinces.

"Golkar wants to see that all the three governors are native Irianese if the proposal materializes," said party chairman Akbar Tanjung when addressing about 800 Golkar supporters in a campaign rally.

The government's proposal to divide Irian Jaya, which is three times bigger than Java, into three provinces has received wide support from outside Golkar.

Tanjung, who took along Jakarta singers to entertain the supporters, also reiterated Golkar's intention to nominate Habibie as president.

Also campaigning here on Tuesday was the National Mandate Party (PAN), which attracted about 400 people to the Cendrawasih sports hall. (34)