Medan on shortlist for PDI congress

Medan on shortlist for PDI congress

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Officials here confirmed that Medan is
on the shortlist of cities being considered to host the upcoming
Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) congress in June.

However, with a touch of cynicism, the chairman of PDI's North
Sumatra branch, Patawi Bowie, told journalists Saturday that it
might be a good idea not to have the congress there since the
last two held in the North Sumatran capital ended in controversy.

"In 1993, Soerjadi (the current chairman) was toppled here and
then in 1996 Megawati Soekarnoputri was also ousted here," Patawi
remarked.

Soerjadi, the chairman of the government-recognized PDI said
Thursday that President Soeharto was expected to open the
congress.

Megawati has said she will not attend the congress, saying she
would hold her own congress in December.

Patawi indicated that Pontianak, West Kalimantan, and Ambon,
Maluku were potential venues for the congress which is scheduled
to be held from June 20 through June 27. (21)