Members forget their chant

Members forget their chant

JAKARTA (JP): The cry of "Merdeka!" (freedom) was a common and
popular chant during the early days of independence.

But Assembly members had to be cajoled and reminded of this
revolutionary chant yesterday before they responded.

When Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) spokesman Yahya Theo
took the podium and chanted "Merdeka" before giving his party's
address, he received a muted response with only members of his
own faction replying.

Undaunted, Yahya reminded everyone that the chant was not
merely a PDI cry but one which had become synonymous with
Indonesia's fight for independence.

"So respond to our national cry Merdeka!", he yelled and was
met with a similarly exuberant reply. (mds)