Major rally held in support of Megawati

JAKARTA (JP): Some 1,500 members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) staged a raucous demonstration in front of Hotel Indonesia in Central Jakarta on Wednesday to pledge their support for party chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri.

PDI Perjuangan chapter members from Jakarta, Depok and Demak, Central Java, took part in the loud but peaceful demonstration. They urged members of the People's Consultative Assembly to vote for Megawati in the Oct. 20 presidential election, because her party received the most votes in the June 7 general election.

Demonstration coordinator Yadi said the party supporters also gathered to remind legislators not to be tempted by political maneuvers and promises aimed at undercutting Megawati's support.

"We believe there are attempts coming from every direction to intercept her support," he said.

Several senior party officials, among them Roy B.B. Janis, Arifin Panigoro, Audi Tambunan, Maringan Pangaribuan, Cahyo Kumolo and Jacob Nawowewa, met with demonstrators in the hotel parking lot to receive their demands.

"I, myself, would fight for Mega until my last drop of blood. I am very touched to see so many of you coming here today to give support to our leader," a tearful Cahyo said.

Arifin Panigoro also praised the demonstrators' initiative and encouraged all party members to continue backing Megawati's presidential bid.

The demonstration peacefully ended after some six hours. (01)