Golkar officials evade debate

SEMARANG, Central Java: Officials of the Central Java chapter of the ruling Golkar political party failed to show up to a student-sponsored debate on the organization's illicit electioneering.

The students had invited local Golkar leaders to discuss the unpopular process of "yellowization" -- a government campaign to have the color yellow (Golkar's color) -- in public places.

The policy has met with strong opposition in Central Java, particularly from student groups.

"I sent a letter to the Golkar chapter, inviting it to take part in the debate. They didn't bother to reply," said Bustoni Mangunsong, coordinator of the Central Java chapter of the Communication Forum of Students for Development.

Under Indonesian law, campaigns by political parties may not commence until three weeks prior to election day. The next general election is scheduled for 1997. (har/imn)