PDI enjoys 'intimacy'

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: While election contenders in other areas treat each other suspiciously, the local Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) here has described interparty relations as "intimate".

"We are happy because the relations between PDI, Golkar and PPP (United Development Party) are very romantic," said Mulyono Sutarmo, a PDI deputy chief under the government-recognized leadership of Soerjadi.

Sutarmo praised local party leaders Saturday for their efforts to avoid unhealthy rivalry among the three groups, Antara reported.

"Leaders of the three parties should keep improving their relations to create a cool political climate during the election campaign," he said.

The PDI campaign focuses on democratization, social justice and economic development. (pan)