Megawati loyalists off election committee

JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the National Elections Committee Moch. Yogie S.M. installed three new members in the committee yesterday, replacing loyalists of Megawati Soekarnoputri of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI).

The three new committee members are Dimmy Haryanto, Saji Soetjoro and Popo Sonadar Haroen. They are all supporters of new PDI chairman Soerjadi, who ousted Megawati in a government- sanctioned congress in June.

They replaced Megawati loyalists Soetardjo Soerjogoeritno, Suparlan and Adipranoto, who lost their seats after they refused to recognize Soerjadi as party chairman.

Yogie, who is also the minister of home affairs, said during the ceremony that the replacement was mandated by a presidential decree dated Sept. 12.

He said the heightened political tension in Indonesia is something natural because the general election is approaching. "The political tension is not worrisome," he said.

Yogie said he expected the three contestants -- Golkar, the United Development Party and the Indonesian Democratic Party -- will avoid using the election campaign next year as a "show of force".

"We do not want any incidents occurring during next year's campaign, as they did in the past," he said. (imn)