PDIP ELITE MEETS IN PREPARATION OF PRESIDENTIAL RACE

Jakarta, May 7 (ANTARA) - A number of figures in the Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDIP) elite held a special meeting on Thursday to discuss political steps in preparation for the July 8, 2009 presidential race.

PDIP chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri presided over the meeting at her residence at Teuku Umar Street, Central Jakarta, which was also attended by the party's secretary general , Pramono Anung.

There was no official information on whether or not the party would declare its presidential and vice presidential candidates as a result of Thursday's meeting.

The so-called team of six with members including Tjahjo Kumolo, Theo Syafei and Puan Maharani who were tasked with building a coalition with other political parties, were also reluctant to share information prior to the meeting.

"Just wait for a press conference after this meeting," Tjahjo Kumolo said.

Earlier, chairman of PDIP's advisory council Taufik Kiemas said there would be no announcement about the party's presidential and vice presidential candidates on Thursday (May 7). ***1***