PDI-P leader supports caretaker plan

JAKARTA: Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) deputy chairman Arifin Panigoro has expressed support for the executive board's plan to appoint somebody to take over the day-to-day running of the party from President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

He said whoever was appointed would play an important role as the party dealt with internal frictions.

"The party is in a difficult situation. There must be improvements within the party ahead of the 2004 general elections," Arifin said after attending the funeral of nationalist Manai Sophiaan in South Jakarta.

Arifin said the person appointed to oversee the day-to-day running of the party would be expected to improve the performance and image of the party, which has been tainted by a series of scandals.

These scandals, which have been widely covered by the media, include the elections of heads of regional governments, political rifts among central figures in the party and alleged money politics. -- JP