PDI-P gears up for 2004 elections

JAKARTA: Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) Megawati Soekarnoputri asked party cadres on Saturday to strive to win the 2004 elections.

Speaking during a breaking of the fast gathering at her private residence in Kebagusan, South Jakarta, Megawati asked the party members to consolidate due to the limited time left to prepare for the elections.

"We have to think about it (winning the elections) from now on," Megawati, who is also the President, said.

Then opposition leader Megawati led PDI Perjuangan to finish first in the previous elections in 1999, winning one third of the votes. Observers doubt Megawati's chance of chalking up a second victory due to her declining popularity.

Also attending the event was noted cleric Abdullah Gymnasiar, who gave a sermon ahead of the breaking of the fast meal. -- Antara

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Press Day celebration moved to Bali

DENPASAR: The venue for the National Press Day celebration next year has been moved to Bali from Banten, a member of the organizing committee said on Saturday.

Bambang Suminto, deputy of the Bali chapter of Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI), said the decision to bring the event to Bali was part of efforts to encourage tourism on the island following the bomb attack that killed at least 190 people last month.

The association, once the only government-sanctioned press organization, made the change during a leadership meeting on Thursday.

The National Press Day is commemorated in conjunction with the anniversary of PWI, which will turn 57 next year.

President Megawati Soekarnoputri is expected to attend the Feb. 9 celebration, which will be held at the Ksirarnawa building in the compound of Denpasar Cultural Park.

Senior journalist Rosihan Anwar is scheduled to read out the journalists' declaration during the event.

Journalists attending the celebration will visit the site of bombing in Legian, Kuta and hand over aid to local vendors. -- Antara

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Navy fails to salvage sunken boat

AMBON, Maluku: A rescue team from the Indonesian Navy has failed to salvage the Masohi Star ferry which sank in Ambon Bay, with some 60 bodies believed to have been trapped inside.

Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina said on Saturday the search and rescue team from the naval base here lacked equipment to reach the ship, which sank 100 meters beneath sea level.

"Their equipment only allows them to dive 30 meters to 40 meters," he said.

Saleh called on the Navy to send heavy equipment from Jakarta and Surabaya to help salvage the wreckage of the ship.

The official death toll in the accident is five. Survivors however estimated that 60 passengers were trapped inside the ship when it sank last Sunday on its way from Ambon's Slamet Riyadi port to Masohi, capital of Central Maluku district.

Ambon Police said the 30-ton vessel was overloaded. Although the ship's passenger manifest showed only 105 people on board, police believe it was carrying some 300 people plus cargo. - Antara

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President chided over award

JAKARTA: A widow of a former cabinet minister criticized President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Sunday for awarding her father in law a medal of merit.

Sri Hardhani, the wife of former home minister Amir Machmud, said Megawati as a national leader failed to be a role model.

"Heads of state should not think of their own interests. They should provide a good example," Hardhani said on the sidelines of a ceremony to commemorate Heroes Day at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta.

"She should have given priority to distinguished persons, not her own family members."

Megawati presented an award to her father-in-law, the late Tji Agus Kiemas, for his meritious service while working for the ministry of trade. Her predecessors Soeharto and B.J. Habibie also showered their wives and friends with honorary medals. -- Antara