Kaban to vie for top PBB post

JAKARTA: Forestry minister Malam Sambat Kaban said on Tuesday he was ready to contest the top post of the Crescent Star Party (PBB).

Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the current leader of the PBB who is also state secretary, has said he would not run for reelection because he had led the party for two terms.

"I'm ready to lead the party," Kaban told reporters after a meeting with the Regional Representatives Council (DPD).

He is expected to challenge other candidates -- former legislator Hamdan Zoelva and current PBB deputy leader Sahar L. Hassan. The Islam-based PBB failed to pass the electoral threshold during the 2004 general elections. -- JP