PDI congress 'must be democratic'

PDI congress 'must be democratic'

SEMARANG (JP): Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI
Perjuangan) deputy chairman Dimyati Hartono said the party's
first congress must be serious and democratic.

"I hope there aren't any jokes in the congress. Democracy must
be maintained and implemented during the congress, including in
the decision-making process," he told reporters ahead of the
congress, scheduled to open here on Sunday.

He said he was serious in challenging for the party's
chairmanship, not merely seeking an improved bargaining position.

"I am in the race for the party's chairmanship because I want
the party to be bigger and modern. I joined the race because the
party has been too slow to respond to the dynamism of the
strategic changes outside the party. The party has also been late
in resolving its myriad internal problems, including the quality
of its cadres.

"We cannot let this continue to happen. Such a situation must
be dealt with properly," he said, adding that he had received
pressure over his chairmanship candidacy.

Internal rifts in the party over the issue of having more than
one candidate for the post of chairperson deepened following Eros
Djarot's declaration that he was ready to replace incumbent
chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, who is the country's Vice
President. Eros was pushed out of the chairmanship race and
accused of "rocking the boat".

Meanwhile, congress fever has hit the Central Java capital of
Semarang.

PDI Perjuangan banners are seen across the city and domestic
and foreign journalists have flocked to the city.

Supporters

At least one million party supporters are expected to flood
Semarang during the congress, scheduled to close on April 1.

Around 6,000 security guards, consisting of police officers
and the party's security personnel, will be deployed to safeguard
the congress.

"Security personnel from other political parties, such as
Golkar, the United Development Party (PPP) and the National
Awakening Party (PKB), are also ready to help maintain security
and order," Semarang Police chief Col. Mathius Salempang said.

As many as 15 security posts have been set up in areas where
people are expected to gather during the congress.

To anticipate the crush of PDI Perjuangan supporters, the
congress' organizing committee has been busy making preparations,
including the establishment of 24 communal kitchens.

Supito, who is in charge of the kitchens, told The Jakarta
Post that at least 1.2 tons of rice was available for the event.

The kitchens are located at bus terminals, railway stations,
Patra Jasa Hotel and along roads linking Semarang with other
towns.

"Each kitchen will cook 50 kilograms of rice every day, and Rp
500,000 has been allocated for daily meals. We want to sell the
meals at Rp 1,000 per pack, including a glass of distilled water
or tea," Supito said.

"Supporters who do not have any money with them can get meals
for free at designated food stalls, which will make some 1,000
packages of nasi bungkus available every day." (har/sur)