Muh Syaifullah/Pito A. Rudiana, Yogyakarta – The 1998 activists grouped in the Benteng Kedaulatan (Sovereignty Fort) prefer to support Bugiakso, the grandson of National Hero General Sudirman, rather than Sultan Hamengku Buwono X.

"We are not supporting the Sultan because he is part of the New Order politics," said Yusrol Hana, head of Benteng Kedaulatan in Yogyakarta, yesterday.

According to Yusrol, the 1998 activists will not support the Sultan because they think he has not achieved much in local politics. One of them concerns the unclear status of Yogyakarta.

Bugiakso's candidacy is also supported by the Kedaulatan Party. They chose him as an alternative candidate for his declared stance as pro-people and involvement in religious social activities.

Kari Tri Aji, a Benteng Kedaulatan activist, said the support goes to Bugiakso because he shares their vision and mission. Bugiakso said he was approached by seven political parties, three of which are willing to support him. He will reveal the names of these parties when he declares his candidacy on February 1.