Rivalry appeases around table

PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Arch rivalry between the three election contenders here has turned into night-long chats between friends.

Faisal Urai of the United Development Party (PPP), Said Alkadrie of Golkar and Darwis Abubakar of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) have no reason to end their private talks, although they are now each competing for public support.

"We are West Kalimantan natives and we are used to working together at the House of Representatives. We have been friends for a long time," Feisal said during Sunday's coffee night with Said.

Darwis was absent from the meeting, regularly held at Kapuas Palace Hotel's restaurant.

Hotel management has reserved a table for the three faithful costumers and dares not let anybody else occupy it unless they are not in town.

The chain-smoking trio usually spend the night trading jokes and rumors, and will stop the conversation when their wives call from home.

"We have founded a new faction called the Kalbar (West Kalimantan) faction," said Said. "Just to show how democracy applies here the most." (amd)