NU to remain neutral in runoff

JAKARTA: The country's largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) pledged on Wednesday to stay neutral in September's runoff.

Acting NU chairman Masdar F. Mas'udi said that although the organization's leader Hasyim Muzadi would likely contest the runoff as the running mate of incumbent President Megawati Soekarnoputri, NU would not support any presidential candidates.

"Organization-wise NU will remain neutral -- its members are free to make their own choice," Masdar said. -- Antara