PDI-P rejects militia disbandment

PDI-P rejects militia disbandment

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI
Perjuangan) has rejected calls for the disbandment of the party's
security task force or Satgas PDI Perjuangan.

Sukowaluyo Mintorahardjo, an executive at the party's research
and development center, said on Monday the task force was no
threat as its functions were confined to internal party
activities.

"Besides, we are unable to disband the task force, as it is
not under the party's organizational structure," Suko said in
Jakarta.

The statement came after recent calls by Indonesian Military
chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto that extremist and militia groups,
including those affiliated with political parties and religious
organizations, should disband.

Suko said that there was no legal grounds for people to demand
the disbandment of security task forces like Satgas PDI
Perjuangan.

However, Suko said the House of Representatives was
deliberating the political party bill, and one section of this
bill was expected to govern security arms related to political
parties. -- JP