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)