Tarmidi obeys party, backs Sutiyoso

JAKARTA: City Council Deputy Chairman Tarmidi Suhardjo from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, who earlier opposed the reelection of Governor Sutiyoso, ended his "battle" on Tuesday.

"I will attend the inauguration of Sutiyoso. I will shake his hand," Tarmidi, who was also a gubernatorial candidate in the recent election, told reporters.

Tarmidi, who paired with Abdillah Toha from the National Mandate Party (PAN) as his deputy governor, only secured 13 votes while Sutiyoso secured 47 votes.

With Tarmidi's acceptance, it was only PAN, the Justice Party and the Crescent and Star Party who were still refusing to accept the results of the controversial election.

It was believed Tarmidi gave in due to pressure from his party's central board, which had threatened him with sanctions for disobeying orders to support Sutiyoso. He reportedly was to be replaced as deputy chairman of the council by councillor Agung Imam Sumanto -- known as a diehard supporter of Sutiyoso.--JP