Bandung, W Java (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked the United Development Party (PPP) to demonstrate a stable political life.

In his address to open the the 7th PPP national congress here on Sunday afternoon, the president asked the cadres of the party to cooperate with other political parties to develop a stable and conducive political life for the state and nation.

On the occasion the head of state also asked all the party`s cadres, leaders, and sympathizers to continue developing political life maintained by harmony between the progress of multi-party system and the strong presidential system.

"I ask the leaders, cadres, and sympathizers of the party to always give an example in maintaining their intelligent, clean, tolerant, and polite political behavior," the president said.

The head of state also asked them to propagate Islamic values in the life of democracy, because according to him, PPP has been part of Indonesia`s political history since the 1970s.

He added that PPP has proven to be successful in overcoming the tides of political turmoil which accompanied Indonesian history.

Meanwhile, PPP general chairman Suryadharma Ali in his opening address asserted that there was no reason to establish an Indonesian Islamic State because Muslims could channel their struggle through Islam-based political parties.

Suryadharma said the party has set itself a target to increase around 12 million members in the next three years until 2014.

"To reach the target, the party needs a leader with a main agenda to improve the welfare of the Indonesian people," PPP general chairman Suryadharma Ali said in his address opening the 7th national congress of the party at Sabuga building here on Sunday.

Suryadharma Ali explained that the leader who has such an agenda should be able to make significant economic growth by empowering the poor people in the rural areas. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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