Sumatra congress being prepared

Sumatra congress being prepared

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The Sumatra People's Congress to
discuss autonomy for the island is expected to take place early
next year, organizers said on Monday.

Executive chairman of the Lampung Autonomy Council (MKL),
Syafarudin, told Antara the non-governmental organization would
hold preliminary congresses ahead of the bigger forum which will
involve representatives of people across Sumatra. Lampung has
been named the host of the initial all-Sumatra congress.

Banda Aceh, Medan and Bengkulu have been tipped to host the
preliminary meetings, which are scheduled for December, according
to Syafarudin. The fixed dates for the congress and its
preliminary gatherings, however, remain undecided.

The council's deputy chairman, Syarif Makhya, said the
congress was expected to find solutions to the myriad of problems
Sumatra's people have been facing, ranging from the political to
economic fields. (amd)