Golkar branch split in East Java

SURABAYA, East Java: Friction within the East Java chapter of the Golkar Party spilled over on Friday as a group of cadres occupied the party's secretariat here on Jl. Ahmad Yani.

The group, led by Golkar's East Java deputy secretary Dossy Iskandar, charged that branch chairman Soetomo appointed the party's provincial legislative candidates based on collusion, corruption and nepotism.

He claimed to have the support of 22 of 37 Golkar organizations in East Java and demanded that new appointments be made.

Soetomo seemed to take the matter lightly. "They have just resented my leadership from the beginning," he said.

"It is a normal thing to quarrel about legislative seats within the party. It will die down eventually." He did not say what action would be taken concerning the secretariat. (nur/edt)