PDI-P to summon dissenters

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