Parties threaten to boycott elections

SALATIGA, Central Java: Fifteen political parties in Salatiga have threatened to boycott the elections if their proposal that they each be allocated a Rp 75 million (US$8,824) campaign fund is rejected by the local government.

The chairman of the interparty caucus, Oki Harjono, who is also the deputy chairman of the Reform Star Party's (PBR) Salatiga branch, said the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) had rejected the move, while the Crescent Star Party (PBB) had not taken a stance yet.

Most of the political parties involved are small.

Oki said the caucus was formed because the government's pledged Rp 3 million campaign fund for each political party was far from enough.

However, Salatiga Mayor Totok Mintarto Notonegoro said the administration would not allocate more funds.

"They have to understand that we are short of funds. Besides, as political parties, they should be ready to raise their own money," he said. -- Antara