Tarmidi obeys party, backs Sutiyoso

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