Theo linked to money politics

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) plans to seek clarification from its deputy chairman Theo Syafei over his links with alleged money politics in the reelection of East Kalimantan Governor Suwarna Abdul Fatah.

PDI Perjuangan deputy secretary-general Pramono Anung Wibowo said after a weekly meeting at the party's head office here on Tuesday that the party was taking into account a move by a lawyers' association to file report with the East Kalimantan Police against Theo.

"We need to resolve the issue as soon as possible so that it does not damage the party's image," Pramono said.

The lawyers association, which formerly affiliated itself with the party, accused Theo of demanding bribes from Suwarna in exchange for the party's support for him at the expense of the party cadre Imam Mundjiat.

Theo, who now leads PDI Perjuangan's team of success in next year's elections, has requested temporary suspension to support the ongoing legal process against him.

Pramono said that the party would consult the party's chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri before responding Theo's request. --JP

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PDI Perjuangan, PPDK fit for polls

JAKARTA: Ministry of Justice and Human Rights announced on Tuesday the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and the newly established Unity, Democracy and Nationhood Party (PPDK) qualified for the 2004 general election.

Both parties were declared eligible to contest the election as they have fulfilled administrative requirements.

"We have checked the status of their office buildings, administration and equipment," verification team chief Zulkarnaen Yunus said on Tuesday at PDI Perjuangan's office.

PDI Perjuangan is the largest party, having won 35 percent of the vote in the 1999 election.

The newly established PPDK is led by noted scholar Andi Mallarangeng and former cabinet minister Ryaas Rasyid.

The justice ministry is making a background check on over 230 parties that have registered to contest the election, scheduled for April 5, 2004. --JP

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Ulema against trade in human organs

JAKARTA: The country's largest Muslim organizations have called for a drive against trade in human organs, saying that it violated religious and social values.

Irfan Zidny, an executive member of Nadhlatul Ulama's law making body, and his Muhammadiyah counterpart Wibisono told a seminar here that Islam prohibits the practice, because human organs belong to God and therefore deserve "honorable treatment".

Nadhlatul Ulama, claiming to have 40 million members, is the largest Muslim organization in Indonesia, while Muhammadiyah is the second.

The seminar was held to raise public awareness on the health bill which is now being prepared by the House of Representatives to replace the 1992 health law.

Representatives from the Catholic church, the Protestant church and Hindu religion also shared their concern about the trade.

Another speaker, Insp. Gen. Edi Darnadi, the National Police Director for Special Crimes, suggested that the health bill define the trade more specifically to help the police enforce the law.

He said the police had found no cases related to human organs transplants which could be categorized as crimes over the last two years. -- Antara

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Bombing suspect to stand trial

DENPASAR, Bali: Following the trial of three key suspects in the Bali bombing, the Denpasar District Court will soon prosecute another leading figure, Ali Imron.

Made Karna, the chairman of the court, said on Tuesday that the trial of the 30-year-old man would begin on Monday.

The trial will take place in Narigraha Renon building, the venue of trial of other main perpetrators of the blasts, namely Imam Samudra, 33, the alleged planner of the bombing, Ali Ghufron, 43 and Amrozi, 41. No verdict has not been handed down so far.

Ali Imron, who is the brother of Amrozi and Ghufron, was the alleged field executor of the bombings, which killed 202 people. -- Antara