PDI leaders urged to unite

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)