Sultan membership to forum revoked

JAKARTA: The Forum for the Indonesian Kingdom (FSKN) has revoked the membership of Yogyakartan King Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X.

Makmun Muzaki, spokesman for the Kingdom of Banten and a member of the forum, confirmed Friday the Sultan had in fact had his forum membership removed though the reason why was not clear.

"Yes, the forum has taken this action. Why I am not sure. I guess it was politically motivated as Sri Sultan (Hamengkubuwono X) is running from president," he said.

Makmun said there was the chance his removal was arranged by those who did not wish to see him running for presidency, and wanted to strip him of influence among royal families within the forum.

The forum has representatives from all the country's royal families, which usually hold deep influence among people living in their respective regions. --JP