Riau rejects new party

PEKANBARU, Riau: Chief of the regional military command Maj. Gen. Soedaryanto said yesterday the province rejects the newly- formed Indonesian Democratic Union Party (PUDI).

Soedaryanto, who oversees security in Riau, North Sumatra, West Sumatra and Aceh, said the local authorities will ban the party from conducting political activities in his area of command.

"As the one responsible for security in the area, we are determined to arrest PUDI members who conduct political activities here," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

He said the party, established by controversial politician Sri Bintang Pamungkas, is illegal as Minister of Home Affairs Yogie S.M. has made clear. (pan)