Kupang – Soerjadi [the government installed head of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) - JB.] has begged PDI members not to read newspapers if they have reports on the PDI. On February 3 he said that reports in the mass media tend to "corner" the party and do not give a true picture, "as far as articles concerning the PDI, it is better not to read them" he added.

The lead story in the Kupang newspapers on Monday (February 2) reported that when Soerjadi and Fatimah Achmad were trying to consolidate the party in Sumba Island, demonstrations were held by Megawati supporters. He claimed there were no more than 5 demonstrators while the reports mentioned large demonstrations.

He also said the consolidation in Sumba was going smoothly and that his group would continue to provide "understanding" and motivation to PDI cadres so that they will not be provoked by reports.

[Abridged translation from Waspada - JB.]