Indonesia Approves Registration Of Five New Political Parties

JAKARTA, July 30 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Law and Human Rights in Indonesia has approved the registration of five new political parties including Partai Islam Damai Aman (Idaman) headed by Indonesia's 'Raja Dangdut' Rhoma Irama. The other four new parties are Partai Solidaritas Indonesia, Partai Kerja Rakyat Indonesia, Partai Rakyat and Partai Rakyat Berdaulat. Indonesia's next general election is in 2019. Partai Solidaritas Indonesia comprises youths led by local television personality Grace Natalie. Local media Saturday quoted Political Party Registration director-general Baroto as saying that the five political parties are qualified to contest in the next general election. He said eight parties had applied to be registered but three, Partai Pribumi, Partai Beringin Karya and Partai Abad Sejahtera Indonesia did not meet registration conditions. When Indonesia opened its door to democracy following a reformation in 1998, 48 parties contested in the 1999 general election, with the number increasing in subsequent elections. Meanwhile, Rhoma Irama was quoted as saying that his party emphasised on fighting corruption and empowering the country's Prevention of Corruption Commission. He said the party would open branches and appoint leaders in the districts throughout Indonesia. -- BERNAMA