PDI proposes four governor candidate

JAKARTA (JP): The list of candidates for Jakarta's next governor increased as the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) proposed four candidates, including Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso.

Chairman of PDI at the City Council, Lukman F. Mokoginta, said PDI proposed four candidates for the city's next governor. Besides Sutiyoso, their main candidate was Governor Surjadi Soedirdja, former chief of Jakarta military command Lt. Gen. A.M. Hendropriyono and also City Council Speaker Maj. Gen. M.H. Ritonga.

Ritonga was also a former chief of City Police.

He said PDI had officially proposed the list of candidates to Ritonga Monday.

"We proposed four candidates after carefully evaluating prospective candidates," Lukman said.

The proposal, he said, was a response to the council's call on factions and the public to propose candidates for the next governor by the June 20 deadline.

Earlier the United Development Party (PPP) had proposed Surjadi and Hendropriyono as candidates, while the Armed Forces (ABRI) proposed for Surjadi's reelection.

Golkar has not yet named its candidates.

Maluku people

Yesterday, the Association of Maluku People proposed for Surjadi's reelection through the council's ABRI faction.

The proposal was signed by the association's chairs, Yenny A. Tiakoly and A. Kadir Assagaf, and its deputy secretary-general Peter Matahelumual.

The association proposed for Surjadi's reelection because of his success in city development. "His policies have been able...to accommodate and integrate all Jakartans' interests, including Maluku people in Jakarta," the proposal said.

Previously the chairman of the National Youth Committee (KNPI) city-branch, Adhyaksa, was quoted by the Media Indonesia daily as saying that the committee supported Hendro and Sutiyoso as candidates for the next governor.

Surjadi, a former Jakarta military commander, had filed a letter of resignation to President Soeharto through Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. in March. His office term ends Oct. 6.

A 1974 government regulation stipulates that a governor may serve a second five-year term.

Proposed candidates, which must be a minimum of three and a maximum of five people, should meet all requirements set by the Ministry of Home Affairs before being officially nominated.

The council will consult the Minister of Home Affairs on the list of candidates before handing it to the President for approval. (ste)