PDI-P dissidents demand party purge

JAKARTA: Dissident members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) demanded a reshuffle of the party's Central Executive Board on Tuesday, citing rampant corruption and the disregard of party constituents as reasons.

Julius Usman and Meilono Suwondo, legislators from the PDI-P faction, said the major overhaul was necessary to breathe new life into the party, the performance of which slumped in the April 5 legislative election.

"Financial considerations have taken hold of decision-making among the central board, while the constituents' needs have taken a back seat," Julius said.

Meilono supported the candidacy of Amien Rais in the first round of the election, while Julius was an ardent supporter of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. -- JP