Changes likely at ICMI with Hartono's entry<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Moslem
\nIntellectuals (ICMI) is likely to undergo major changes if
\nInformation Minister R. Hartono, a fast rising political figure,
\njoins, an observer says.<\/p>\n
There could be changes to the organization's leadership and
\nits future direction, Muhammad A.S. Hikam of the National
\nInstitute of Sciences said yesterday.<\/p>\n
Hartono was as politically well-connected as ICMI's chairman,
\nState Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie, Hikam
\ntold The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
Hartono, a retired general and former Army chief of staff,
\nannounced Friday his intention of joining ICMI, which many
\npolitical analysts say has become one of the major political
\npowers in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Hartono said he had the interests of Moslems and the nation in
\nmind when he decided to join ICMI, because he wanted to make sure
\nthat Moslems \"do not take the wrong step\".<\/p>\n
Hikam said Hartono's remarks meant he would probably make
\nchanges within ICMI if he joined.<\/p>\n
ICMI's politicking has caused debate within the Islamic
\nmovement since it was founded in 1990, Hikam said.<\/p>\n
\"ICMI is thick with politics. Hartono's presence could divert
\nICMI's activities to more intellectual and society-oriented
\nprograms,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Hartono, whose membership to any mass organization must be
\napproved by President Soeharto because he is a cabinet minister,
\nhas not ruled out assuming the leadership of ICMI \"if that's what
\nthe public want.\"<\/p>\n
Hartono's future political career has been the subject of
\nspeculation since he was appointed to the cabinet in June.<\/p>\n
Some analysts put Hartono among the leading contenders for the
\nvice presidential position in next March's election alongside
\nHabibie and the incumbent Try Sutrisno.<\/p>\n
ICMI's secretary-general, Adi Sasono, welcomed Hartono's
\nstated intention of joining the organization, saying he would
\nbring synergy, particularly to ICMI's people's empowerment
\nprograms, Kompas reported.<\/p>\n
But Adi has pointed out that ICMI's next leadership election
\nis not due until 2000.<\/p>\n
Hikam said Adi should clarify whether he meant synergy with
\nICMI' programs, or political synergy.<\/p>\n
Hikam said he was certain that Hartono, given his capacity,
\nwould be given a key influential position within ICMI. \"(But)
\nwhether it is as chairman or not is another matter.\"<\/p>\n
Hikam said Hartono's plan to join ICMI was part of a series of
\nchanges happening on the national political scene. The
\nreplacement of long-serving information minister Harmoko in June
\nby Hartono was also \"part of the package\", he said. (10)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/changes-likely-at-icmi-with-hartonos-entry-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}