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