PDI leaders urged to unite

SEMARANG: A senior member of the rift-ridden Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) called yesterday for the rival party leaders to use the Idul Fitri holiday to make peace.

Makyo Sumaryo, Surakarta (Solo) PDI chief, suggested that Megawati Soekarnoputri and Soerjadi should "sincerely forgive each other" for the party's sake.

"May they and their supporters reconcile during the Idul Fitri celebrations," Makyo said.

The minority party's leadership ruptured after Soerjadi toppled Megawati in a government-backed congress in Medan last June. Megawati refuses to recognize the congress and claims she remains the legitimate PDI chief.

Makyo said he was willing to mediate if the conflicting parties consented.

He suggested that Megawati recognize Soerjadi and make a comeback at the next mandatory party congress in 1998.

"I am ready to support Megawati's comeback in 1998 if she wishes. I will meet all the branch leaders to ask for their support for her," Makyo said. (har/08)