PKB mulls forming coalition with PDI-P

PKB mulls forming coalition with PDI-P

JAKARTA: The National Awakening Party (PKB) hinted at its
intention on Monday to form a coalition with the Indonesian
Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) ahead of the 2004
direct election.

The PKB faction chairman at the House of Representatives, Ali
Masykur Musa, reasoned that his party shared the same ideology as
PDI Perjuangan, which is headed by President Megawati
Soekarnoputri.

"A coalition can work only if the two parties share similar
political platforms," Ali said in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi.

He said PDI Perjuangan would be among the best choices for
forging a coalition with PKB, which was founded by former
president Abdurrahman Wahid.

He underlined that so far the party had yet to decide on its
partner in the 2004 election, but was fully aware of the
importance of forming a coalition.

"It would be difficult to win a majority vote in the coming
election without forming a coalition with other parties," Ali
said.--Antara