Nationalist-Islamic PSI to exploit diverse support in elections.

(From The Jakarta Post)

This is the 11th article in a series of the 24 political parties contesting the 2004 elections.

he acronym of the Indonesian Unity Party (PSI), or Partai Sarikat Indonesia, once belonged to an early 20th-century party with nationalist and Islamic characteristics. It was founded upon a leading merchants' association, the Muslim Unity (SI), or Sarikat Islam.

Today's PSI, however, brings together parties and organizations representing different religions, and workers and businesspeople both. Leaders describe the party as nationalist, religious and populist, which would have to be detailed more clearly in its legislative campaign.

Its religious perspective is inspired by HOS Cokroaminoto, the founding father of SI, said PSI Secretary-General M. Jumhur Hidayat.

Established on Dec. 17, …