Armando Siahaan & Candra Malikp, Jakarta – Animosity is growing in Yogyakarta with the central government appearing set to propose a bill that would remove the sultan's automatic right to the governorship of the province.

Thousands of Yogyakartans rallied in front of the provincial legislative council on Wednesday in support of the sultan's special status as both the monarch and governor of the province, while the sultan's brother resigned from his position as head of the provincial chapter of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's Democratic Party in protest.

Sri Surya Widati, head of Bantul district, south of Yogyakarta, took part in Wednesday's rally. She said she supported the current system of automatically appointing the sultan as governor.

The government's draft bill on the status of Yogyakarta would remove that right and require the sultan to stand for election, like any other candidate, if he wanted to serve as governor.

"This is the voice of more than 70 percent of the people of Bantul," Sri Surya said. "As a leader elected by the people, I am ready to fight for their aspirations. "This is democracy. We reject the draft bill that requires Yogyakarta's governor to be elected."

Yogyakarta was granted special status in 1950 in recognition of its role and contribution to the country's independence.

But the government's proposal that the sultan not be granted automatic ascension to the gubernatorial seat, but instead be given a different, newly created position as the highest authority in the province, has stirred up bitter public debate.

Gusti Haryo Prabukusumo, brother of Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, said he had decided to resign from the Democratic Party, which was founded by Yudhoyono, as a show of protest.

He said he felt betrayed by other Democrats who met with government representatives in Jakarta about the bill without informing him. "It's not difficult for me to hand the reins of leadership of the Democratic Party back to Yudhoyono to maintain our honor," he said.

On Tuesday, Prabukusomo broke down in tears in front of hundreds of local artists who went to the palace to question whether he stood with the sultan or the Democratic Party. "I stand on the side of the sultan, my elder brother, and defend the dignity of Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX, my late father," he said.

Bondan Nusantara, from a local artists' guild, said he appreciated Prabukusumo's decision to support the people of Yogyakarta. "We're relieved to know that the royal family of Yogyakarta is not split by this conflict," he said.

In Jakarta, a member of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) said the ongoing debate demonstrated the need to consult the DPD when legislating on regional matters.

Intsiawati Ayus, Riau's representative in the council, said the government had alienated the people of Yogyakarta over the issue of the sultan. "There is a strong correlation and relevance between local and national politics," she said, adding that input from the DPD could help guide policy making.

The council's authority in the legislative process is limited to initiating bills and providing written input during deliberation.