PPP leaves opposition bloc

JAKARTA: The Islam-based United Development Party (PPP) announced on Wednesday its withdrawal from the opposition bloc in the House of Representatives after President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono set aside two ministerial posts for it.

PPP secretary Lukman Hakim said the party position was final.

The party was part of the Nationhood Coalition formed in August to support the nomination of Megawati Soekarnoputri in the presidential election. Signs of a PPP exit from the Golkar Party- led coalition were seen during the election of House speaker earlier this month after the party nominated its own candidate.

PPP chairman Hamzah Haz had said the party would join the opposition bloc to maintain checks and balances under Susilo's administration. -- Antara