PARAMARIBO – The ethnic power struggle has entered a new phase as an internal struggle has erupted within one specific ethnic group namely the Javanese. A new contender has entered the political arena to become the new leader of the Javanese community in Suriname. “I have come to work for all Javanese people,” said   Soeparmin Djojobesari who is a former member of the board at the National Democratic Party (NDP). Djojobesari is the chairman of the newest political party in Suriname namely the Democrats of Suriname  (DvS). At the proclamation of the DvS it became clear that Djojobesari wants to speak for the Javanese community in particular but that he will also work for the other ethnic groups.

 Djojobesari claimed that the Petjajah Luhur (PL) that is chaired by Paul Somohardjo has done nothing for the Javanese community in Suriname. “Only shame,” said Djojobesari who also criticized Bronto Somohardjo, the son of the chairman of the PL. Djojobesari exited the NDP with several other people and decided to join the ABOP which is currently part of the ruling coalition. The chairman of the ABOP, Ronnie Brunswijk, indicated that the DvS can count on the full support of ABOP. This new political alliance has, however, created more tensions between ABOP and the PL. …[+]