PDI-P to eschew rallies

JAKARTA: Apparently learning from the accusations of election violations against rival parties, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), has said it would opt to celebrate its 31st anniversary in a modest way.

PDI Perjuangan secretary-general Soetjipto said the anniversary would be celebrated by the party members at an indoor event. In the past, such events were held outdoors and involved thousands of party supporters.

"We will try to confine the celebration to members only," Soetjipto said.

The anniversary falls on Saturday.

Earlier, the Elections Supervisory Committee had asked the PDI Perjuangan to refrain from holding a major rally before the election campaign officially began on March 10 as any such rally would be considered a violation of electoral law.

The committee's Jakarta branch reported the United Development Party and National Awakening Party to the Jakarta Police last week for violating campaign rules. The two parties held mass gatherings to celebrate their respective anniversaries. --JP