Thousands of supporters of the opposition United Development Party in Indonesia have gathered for their party congress in Jakarta, in the biggest political rally since President Suharto was deposed six months ago.

Many of the supporters waved Islamic party flags dating from before 1987, when the government banned them in favour of a more secular representation.

The five-day congress is expected to choose a new leader to take the party into elections next June.

Since the lifting of political restrictions under President Habibie, many new parties have emerged -- including rival Islamic ones.