PAN vows to boost peace in Maluku

AMBON, Maluku: Some 3,000 supporters of the National Mandate Party (PAN) flocked Merdeka square here on Saturday for the first rally held by the party during the campaign period.

The party brought in several artists from Jakarta, including singers Dian Novita and Yopi Latul, who rocked the crowd with their music.

In his brief speech, chairman of PAN provincial chapter Tamrin Ely called on party supporters to put sectarian conflicts behind them and to rebuild Maluku.

"We should not quarrel over a minor issue, while we turn a blind eye to big cases. We must stick together because it will need more than two people to solve a major issue," said Tamrin, one of the figures behind the reconciliation process in the province.

Tamrin also called on the Maluku people to maintain their work ethic for the sake of the province's future. -- JP