PDI's rivalry continues with birthday parties

JAKARTA (JP): The opposing camps of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) are bracing for a new round of rivalry: hosting the party's 24th anniversary revelries tomorrow.

Overthrown party leader Megawati Soekarnoputri and the government-backed Soerjadi have each planned their own receptions and expect different special guests.

In an apparent trick to avoid possible disputes with the authorities over official permits, Megawati will combine the event with a breaking of the fast dinner at her residence.

Megawati will throw the party at her mansion in Jakarta's southern suburb of Pasar Minggu since the police rejected her request to hold it in Bali, where she retains strong popular support.

Haryanto Taslam, her deputy secretary-general who organized the reception, said yesterday the party's founders, senior politicians, NGO activists and leaders of student and youth organizations would be present.

He criticized the police for rejecting Megawati's request, to celebrate the party's anniversary in Bali, without reason although she had met all the necessary requirements.

Spokesman for the National Police Brig. Gen. Nurfaizi was not available for comment yesterday.

Meanwhile, Soerjadi will celebrate the party's birthday in the Central Sulawesi town of Tentena.

Sources close to Soerjadi said special guests would include government and military officials, including Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. and Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung.

Soerjadi snatched the party's top position in a government- sanctioned rebel congress June last year. Megawati has rejected the maneuver and claims she remains the legitimate PDI leader.

The PDI is an amalgamation of nationalist and tiny Christian parties. Since it was formed in 1973, the party has been riddled with leadership conflicts.

Last July, the conflict peaked in a forced takeover of the party's headquarters on Jl. Diponegoro, Central Jakarta, from the hands of Megawati's loyalists by the supporters of Megawati.

The incident sparked a massive rioting on a number of Jakarta streets. Five people died in the violence, over 100 were injured, while 23 others are still missing since the incident. In addition, scores of buildings were damaged. (imn)