Akbar: Golkar - PDI-P coalition difficult before 2009

Former Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung said a coalition between the Golkar and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) would be difficult before the 2009 legislative election.

"Based on political considerations, forming a coalition appears difficult," Akbar told a media gathering in Jakarta on Wednesday

Akbar said a coalition would only become possible once the ability of each party to garner votes could be identified, which would only be possible after the 2009 legislative election.

"Fostering a coalition will be easier after the general election," the former chairman of the Golkar Party added.

He said political coalitions were natural in consolidating political power, especially since the two parties shared more things in common than differences. (amr)