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)