New forum maintains PKB, PDI-P alliance

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)