Maulana challenges Medan mayor

MEDAN, North Sumatra: The deputy mayor of Medan, North Sumatra, Maulana Pohan said here on Friday that he was preparing himself to challenge mayor Abdillah in the first-ever direct election for mayor next year.

He said that he would pair up with Budi Panggabean to face Abdillah who has taken Ramli M.M., secretary of the municipal administration, to be his running mate in the direct election.

Political support from businessmen in the city have poured in for the Maulana-Budi ticket in their efforts to make Medan a "metropolitan city" within the next five years.

More politicians are expected to announce their candidacy for the election which is likely to be held in May 2005. (--JP)