PDI-P rejects Theo's resignation

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) denied on Thursday that one of its leaders, Theo Syafei, was resigning from the party, saying that the resignation letter was just an emotional reaction from Theo.

"The party's executive board will not discuss the issue, as it was an emotional reaction to many rumors against him," party secretary-general Soetjipto said on Thursday.

Theo, a retired two-star general, had submitted his resignation letter to the party following allegations that he was involved in money politics in the election of governors and regents across the country.

The peak of the rumors came after the controversy surrounding the East Kalimantan gubernatorial elections broke out, in which the party's candidate lost against the Golkar candidate.

PDI Perjuangan is the largest faction in the province.

Soetjipto said the allegations were just rumors and the party would not investigate them.

It was not clear whether Soetjipto's statement represented the views of the rest of executive board, as several party leaders resented Theo's maneuvers.

Theo had always received unlimited support from party chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, the incumbent president. -- Antara