Hundreds to contest DPD election

SEMARANG: At least 430 people have picked up registration forms to contest the 2004 election for the Central Java Regional Representatives Council (DPD).

The possible candidates include prominent cleric and poet Mustofa Bisri from Nahdlatul Ulama, poet Ahmad Tohari and former Central Java governors Maj. Gen. (ret) Soewardi and Maj. Gen. (ret) A.A. Soegiyo.

Former Diponegoro Military commander Maj. Gen. (ret) Harsudiono Hartas and a member of the Surakarta royal court, Mangkunegoro IX, are also among those who have picked up registration forms.

The 430 people -- 379 men and 51 women -- picked up the forms from the Central Java General Elections Commission (KPUD).

"The registration opened on July 8 and will close on Sept. 8," Central Java KPUD head Hasyim Asy'ari said on Friday. --JP