New forum maintains PKB, PDI-P alliance

SURABAYA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and the National Awakening Party (PKB) are maintaining their close ties through a forum which is aimed at providing political education for their supporters.

Officials of the two party chapters declared the foundation of the National Forum recently.

Executive chairman of the forum, Farhan, said on Wednesday the organization would help democracy to flourish among grassroots party followers.

He said the forum would have a room for supporters of the two parties to articulate their criticisms of the government under President Abdurrahman Wahid, popularly known as Gus Dur, and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who are leading figures of the parties.

"We are aware that now Abdurrahman and Mbak Megawati are no longer ours. They belong to the nation. That's why we have to warn them, too, if they do something wrong," Farhan said.

East Java is the stronghold of both PKB and PDI Perjuangan.

Farhan said the forum would also teach party supporters outside the province a lesson in how to behave in a democratic manner.

"East Java was free from the riots sparked by PDI Perjuangan supporters who saw Megawati lose out to Abdurrahman in the presidential election recently," Farhan said.

He said that instead of arousing disturbance, PDI Perjuangan supporters in the major East Java cities of Surabaya, Malang and Jember joined their PKB counterparts in celebrating Abdurrahman's victory in Surabaya.

"This forum serves as evidence that the two political parties wish to keep their harmony before, during and after the general election," Farhan said.

The forum picked Choirul Alam, head of PKB's East Java chapter and his PDI Perjuangan counterpart Sutjipto as advisors. (nur/edt)