PDI-P to summon dissenters

JAKARTA: The central executive board of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-Perjuangan) will summon party legislators opposing the government's decision to raise utility prices.

Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, who is also the President, stressed Tuesday that the House of Representatives (DPR) shared responsibility for the increases in fuel, electricity and telephone charges.

"We will summon party members to ask for their explanation for rejecting the government policy," party deputy chairman Roy B.B. Janis said after the party's weekly meeting led by Megawati on Tuesday.

A group of legislators formed a multi-party caucus on Monday to pressure the government to reverse its decision.

Three PDI Perjuangan legislators -- Julius Usman, Haryanto Taslam, and Meiliono Suwondo -- joined the caucus.

"We have yet to take any action against them, but we expect them to explain their moves," Roy said. --JP