PDI chief may visit East Java

JAKARTA: East Java Police Chief Maj. Gen. Roesmanhadi assured Megawati Soekarnoputri, who chairs the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), that she may meet with the party cadre in the province any time she wants.

"If she wishes to come, just come, no problem," Roesmanhadi was quoted by Antara as saying. "As long as the local party offices are willing to accept her."

Megawati has been banned several times from meeting with her supporters in East Java because the provincial authorities refused to issue permission for the gatherings.

"I have talked to Bu (Mrs.) Mega and told her that if she wishes, she can come, no problem ..." Roesmanhadi said. "She said okay."

Roesmanhadi, who was sworn in yesterday as member of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), acknowledged that in the past he could not grant permission because of the prolonged conflicts within the party's provincial branch. (swe)