Jakarta -- Scores of mass organisations, workers, farmers and pro-reformasi students have formed the People’s United Opposition Party (Partai Persatuan Oposisi Rakyat, Popor). The driving force behind the party, labour activist Dita Indah Sari, launched [the party] in Jakarta on Sunday afternoon (27/7) saying that they are ready to participate in the 2004 general elections.

In a speech before supporters, the [recently elected] general chairperson of Popor, Dita Indah Sari made the assessment that the politicians who are currently in power are no different from the politicians [who were in power] during the period of the New Order [regime of former President Suharto]. They have failed to wholeheartedly implement the spirit of reformasi, so that the people are still suffering even though it has been four years since the New Order fell. Dita therefore hopes that the party they have established can become an alternative choice for [people in] society who want reformasi to be implemented sincerely.

The [new] party, which has the aim of uniting the pro-people’s opposition, claims that it already has leadership bodies in 20 provinces and 106 regencies. Dita admitted that with these numbers their party has not yet fulfilled the [official] requirements to be able to take part in the 2004 elections. However, she was optimistic that in the lead up to the close of party verification next August, the party will be able to fulfil the requirements to participate in the elections. (PIN/Tim Liputan 6 SCTV)

[Translated by James Balowski.]