Golkar to officially declare itself political party<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The ruling political grouping Golkar opens a new
\nchapter in its history when it officially declares itself a
\npolitical party on Sunday.<\/p>\n
Andi Matalatta, chairman of the Golkar faction at the House of
\nRepresentatives, said the decision was in line with the law and
\nsweeping changes occurring in Golkar, formerly termed a
\n"political grouping", in the past year.<\/p>\n
The declaration will be made at the opening ceremony of a
\nthree-day Golkar leadership meeting.<\/p>\n
"In accordance with the 1999 law on political parties, Golkar
\nmust register with the Ministry of Justice as a political party.
\nThis means a change in Golkar's legal status from a political
\ngrouping to a political party," Andi told The Jakarta Post on
\nFriday.<\/p>\n
During the three decades of the New Order rule, which ended
\nwith Soeharto's resignation last May, Golkar insisted it was not
\na political party, although its far-reaching role undermined the
\nprofession.<\/p>\n
The fall of the authoritarian regime plunged Golkar, its major
\npillar, into troubled water. Yet Andi was optimistic the
\npolitical organization would weather the difficult times.<\/p>\n
Andi said that in its new incarnation, Golkar would contest
\nthe June 7 election in a fair manner.<\/p>\n
"Preparations both at party headquarters and in provincial
\nchapters and regencies are in place and will be finalized during
\nthe leadership meeting," he said.<\/p>\n
Golkar executives are expected to focus on vote-getting
\nprograms and strategies.<\/p>\n
The grouping was unchallenged at the past six elections amid
\nallegations of vote rigging and other violations.<\/p>\n
Golkar romped home with a record 74 percent of the vote in
\nthe last polls held in 1997.<\/p>\n
Andi said a victory would prove Golkar still has a place in
\npeople's hearts.<\/p>\n
"I believe Golkar has a bright future because it still has
\nsupporters and sympathizers across the country," Andi said,
\nadding that Golkar intends to establish a legitimate and
\ndemocratic government.<\/p>\n
"You know that Golkar has undergone a total overhaul to pay
\nfor its past sins. We, Golkar, apply a new paradigm and stance on
\nthe changing national political stage."<\/p>\n
But Golkar is not prepared to take the blame for New Order
\nmistakes, Andi said, as it served only as a political tool of the
\nformer political elite.<\/p>\n
"Following president Soeharto's resignation last May, Golkar
\nhas been free from any government interference," Andi said.<\/p>\n
A new government regulation which bars civil servants from
\npledging their allegiance to political parties delivered a big
\nblow to Golkar.<\/p>\n
In the past, civil servants were obliged to vote for Golkar.<\/p>\n
Andi believed it was a blessing in disguise for Golkar
\nbecause it would strive to uphold democracy.<\/p>\n
Andi said his party did not expect to enjoy the landslide wins
\nof the past.<\/p>\n
He said that despite continuous criticism and condemnation
\nfrom a variety of sources, Golkar possessed many advantages in
\ncomparison to its challengers.<\/p>\n
"They will pay dividends for us in the election."<\/p>\n
Andi said its decade-long experience in mobilizing masses in
\nelections enabled it to set up branches in all the provinces,
\nregencies and subdistricts.<\/p>\n
"Most importantly, Golkar has expert human resources to run a
\npolitical organization and formulate brilliant strategies to win
\nelections."<\/p>\n
He claimed proreform figures dominated key positions in
\nGolkar.<\/p>\n
A recent exodus of important figures from the party would not
\nadversely affect its image in its bid to win the election, he
\nadded.<\/p>\n
A number of renowned figures -- including former minister of
\ndefense Gen. (ret) Edi Sudradjat, former state minister of sports
\nand youth affairs Hayono Isman, former minister of environment
\nSarwono Kusumaatmadja, and former minister of transmigration
\nSiswono Yudohusodo -- have left Golkar to establish their own
\nparties.<\/p>\n
Andi denied allegations Golkar applied a money politics
\nstrategy to win the election, but acknowledged the party has
\nspent a lot of money to finance its programs. He countered it was
\na common strategy invoked by many other parties.<\/p>\n
"Spending a lot of money to organize meetings with our
\nsupporters and sympathizers is not against the law."<\/p>\n
He said Golkar was still involved in many cooperative programs
\nwith farmers and small and medium-sized companies in rural and
\nurban areas.<\/p>\n
"But it is not money politics if people participating in the
\nprograms vote for Golkar in the next election," he said.<\/p>\n
Selection of legislative candidates and discussions to draw up
\ncriteria for presidential candidates will also be on the agenda.<\/p>\n
"The meeting is not expected to unveil our presidential
\ncandidates because we will only name them after the elections,"
\nAndi said. (rms)<\/p>",
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