Indonesia forms four-party coalition to back Megawati

Indonesian four political parties officially announced here Thursday the formation of the Coalition of Nation to bolster the current president Megawati Soekarnoputri in her efforts for reelection.

The ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Golkar, the largest party in the parliament as well as the United Development Party (PPP) and the Peace and Prosperous Party (PDS) signed a document for the formation of the coalition.

Megawati, who is also the chairwoman of the PDI-P and the Golkar's chairman Tandjung, who is also the speaker of the House of Representatives, attended the meeting.

In the 550-member parliament, the Golkar has 128 seats, the PDI-P has 109 seats, the second largest faction and the PPP with 58 seats and the PDS with 12 seats. Combined they would control the majority of the parliament.

Megawati will contest with another strong presidential candidate of the Democratic Party Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for thestate top post in the runoff slated on September 20.

Source: Xinhua