PDI-P revives community posts

BANDUNG (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) has asked its supporters across the country to revive community posts in the lead-up to the special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in August.

PDI Perjuangan deputy chairman Roy B. Janis said here on Sunday the order was aimed at enhancing communication between party supporters.

"We have asked PDI Perjuangan supporters to activate the posts mainly for the purpose of internal communication, which we believe will yield a lot of benefits," Roy said.

Husband of PDI Perjuangan chairwoman Megawati Soekarnouputri, Taufik Kiemas, led a ceremony to mark the re-establishment of 1,000 community posts across West Java.

Roy said the number of the posts nationwide could reach tens of thousands.

The government ordered the closure of the posts prior to the 1999 general election for security reasons. Megawati said last month the posts would serve as places where party supporters could launch relief operations to help victims of disaster or rioting.

"Now that the MPR special session is drawing near, the posts should operate again, to maintain people's security," Roy said, without elaborating.

Many believe the session, which may serve as an impeachment hearing for President Abdurrahman Wahid, is liable to incite rioting, particularly in Abdurrahman's home base of East Java. (25)