S. Sumatra governor retains top Golkar post

PALEMBANG: South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin has been unanimously re-elected to head up the provincial branch of the Golkar Party for a second five-year term.

Alex won Monday evening's vote after 14 of the party's regency and municipal branches in the province lent him their support.

His main rival, Muhammad Yansori dropped out of the race due to waning support, while a third candidate, Sulgani Pakuali failed to show up after calling in sick. - JP