PDI more genuine than others

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: "PDI? Which PDI do you mean?" is a common question fired back at you here when you are not specific about this political party.

PDI, the Indonesian Democratic Party, split when a government- backed rebel faction broke away in 1996.

There were two PDIs until recently when those loyal to the 1993 democratically elected Megawati Soekarnoputri renamed their party "PDI Perjuangan".

The other PDI under Budi Hardjono retained the name but is losing popularity. Some call it "PDI-BH", or PDI-Budi Hardjono.

Ardent PDI supporters in Irian Jaya unhappy with the mockery love to call their party "PDI Asli" or Genuine PDI.

"Of course PDI is more genuine than PDI Perjuangan," says a supporter. (34)