Golkar recruits celebrities and Moslem preachers<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): 'King' of Dangdut music Rhoma Irama, soap opera
\nhero Rano Karno, government critic Ali Sadikin, enigmatic Moslem
\nleader Abdurrahman Wahid, controversial politician Sri Bintang
\nPamungkas and pop singer Iwan Fals are a few of the big names
\nthat are being put forward as legislative candidates for next
\nyear's general election.<\/p>\n
The three political organizations, Golkar, the United
\nDevelopment Party (PPP) and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI)
\nwill submit their lists of legislative candidates to the National
\nElection Institute today.<\/p>\n
The rift ridden PDI will submit two lists: one drawn up by the
\nparty's new chairman Soerjadi and one drawn up by Megawati
\nSoekarnoputri. Soerjadi ousted Megawati in a rebel government-
\nsanctioned congress in June.<\/p>\n
Soerjadi's camp said it would submit its list of more than 850
\nprospective House members to the election institute today.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Megawati has been approaching well-known figures
\nsuch as Ali Sadikin, Abdurrachman Wahid, Iwan Fals and Emha Ainun
\nNadjib to be her candidates, but it is not known if they will
\naccept the nominations.<\/p>\n
The conservative Moslem-oriented PPP has not publicized its
\nlist of prospective House members. But there is speculation that
\nthe party will dismiss its outspoken legislator Matori Abdul
\nDjalil.<\/p>\n
Matori was recently reprimanded by the PPP leadership because,
\nin his capacity as a member of the National Brotherhood
\nFoundation, he signed a petition criticizing the government.<\/p>\n
Besides celebrities like Rhoma and Rano, the ruling Golkar
\norganization is nominating more than a dozen well-known Moslem
\npreachers affiliated to Nahdlatul Ulama, a 30 million-strong
\nMoslem organization.<\/p>\n
"We want to show that Golkar has the support of Moslem groups,
\nand has roots in both urban and rural areas," said Dien Samsudin
\nover the weekend. He heads Golkar's research and development
\ndivision.<\/p>\n
Among the Moslem preachers being nominated are Ahmad, Alie
\nYafie, Amin Syukur, Muhtarom, Habib Luftie, Ali Mufid, Muntaha,
\nAminuddin Syanwar and Mustofa Zuhad. From the influential
\nMuhammadiyah Moslem educational organization, Golkar is also
\nnominating several people, including Lukman Harun.<\/p>\n
Golkar Secretary-general Ary Mardjono said that many Golkar
\nactivists were unhappy because they were not on the list of
\nnominees despite their long service and contribution.<\/p>\n
"I think it's natural (to be unhappy). But there have been no
\nprotests from Golkar members who are not listed as legislative
\ncandidates," he said.<\/p>\n
Agung Laksono, one of Golkar's deputy chiefs, said Golkar was
\nrecruiting many "public figures" to get as many votes as possible
\nnext year.<\/p>\n
A celebrity like Rhoma, he said, was recruited because he is
\nhighly popular, has unquestionable communication skills and is
\nwell-versed in his profession.<\/p>\n
Although Megawati's leadership has not been recognized by the
\ngovernment, she is determined to submit her own list of House
\nmember candidates.<\/p>\n
The government has said it will only accept Soerjadi's list of
\nPDI candidates, not hers. (pan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/golkar-recruits-celebrities-and-moslem-preachers-1447893297",
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