Presidential debate on radio stations

JAKARTA (JP): A presidential candidate debate is scheduled to be aired by four private radio stations grouped under the Masima Corporation in Jakarta on Monday.

The four stations which will the air the debate between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. are 100.2 FM FeMale Radio, M97 FM, 99.5 FM Delta and 101.95 FM Bahana, Masima assistant director Nia Soewardi said in a statement on Saturday.

Nia said the debate was scheduled to feature Amien Rais of the National Mandate Party, Abdurrahman Wahid of the National Awakening Party, Yusril Ihza Mahendra of the Crescent and Star Party, Hamzah Haz of the United Development Party, Megawati Soekarnoputri of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle and B.J. Habibie of Golkar Party.

However, Megawati and Habibie have still not confirmed their participation, she said.

The debate, which is being organized by the Association of Muslim University Students, will take place at the Regent Hotel in Kuningan, South Jakarta, she said.

Political observer Wimar Witoelar and presenter Febrira Galib will host the debate, Nia said.

"We will try to air the entire event live," she added.

Masima Corporation also operates radio stations in a number of other cities, including Bandung and Manado. (jun)