JP/3/TRAIL

JP/3/TRAIL

Mega-Hasyim painting
contest offers $$$

SURAKARTA, Central Java: The campaign team of incumbent president
Megawati Soekarnoputri will hold a painting competition on Sunday
at Surakarta Cultural Park, Surakarta, with a cash prize of Rp
87.5 million (US$9,211).

Unlike other painting competitions in which contestants choose
their own subjects and themes, participants of this competition
will paint only Megawati and running mate Hasyim Muzadi.

Hajar Satoto, head of the competition's organizing committee,
said some 350 artists nationwide had submitted an entry form. --
Antara

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ANPAa..r..
Amien-Siswono-Friday

JP/3/TRAIL

Amien-Siswono told
not to misuse sermons

PADANG, West Sumatra: A member of the West Sumatra General
Elections Commission (KPU) called on Amien Rais and Siswono
Yudohusodo not to slip campaign messages into their speech during
Friday prayers in the province.

Amien is scheduled to lead locals in Friday prayers at a
Padang Panjang mosque in the province, while Siswono is scheduled
to deliver a sermon at another mosque in Bukittinggi.

KPU West Sumatra member Ardyan said the occasions were not
included in Amien and Siswono's campaign schedule. -- Antara

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ANPAa..r..
General-smile-Palembang

JP/3/TRAIL

Just say 'no' to
generals, urges PRD

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Chairman of the People's Democratic
Party (PRD) Yusuf Lakaseng called on the people not to be misled
by the "smiling generals" ahead of the presidential election.

"General Soeharto used to smile while he ruled the country,
but behind that smile, human rights violations were going on
unchecked," said Yusuf.

People should thus learn from the past and not vote for
candidates with military backgrounds, he said, referring to Gen.
(ret) Wiranto and Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. -- Antara

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ANPAa..r..
HAMZAH-Amien-Megawati

JP/3/HAMZAH

Hamzah bid a ploy
to block Amien: PKB

SURAKARTA, Central Java: The deputy chairman of the National
Awakening Party (PKB), Mahfud M.D., shared on Thursday an
analysis of incumbent Vice President Hamzah Haz's bid for the
presidency.

During a seminar in Surakarta, he said United Development
Party (PPP) chairman Hamzah was running for president not because
he sought the presidency; instead, the move was intentionally
aimed at blocking Amien Rais' chances.

"If Hamzah runs for president, it will divide Muslim votes
between him and Amien, who will get less votes, and open the way
for Megawati to make it to the runoff," said Mahfud.

During the September runoff, he added, Hamzah would mobilize
his supporters to vote for Megawati. -- Antara