PDI's rivalry continues with birthday parties
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)