Govt stand in PDI row<\/p>\n
As I follow closely all the sad developments of the PDI
\n(Indonesian Democratic Party) row, I am happy that our government
\nhas maintained a consistent stand.<\/p>\n
Putting aside the question of whether the government is right
\nor wrong, we know at least what is, according to the government,
\nlegal and what is illegal. The presence of a government minister
\nand the Armed Forces Chief at the PDI congress in Medan, North
\nSumatra recently, where they both delivered speeches, clearly
\nindicates tacit government approval of the congress. The congress
\nwas considered legal because it was in compliance with the
\nparty's constitution. As a consequence all decisions made by this
\ncongress are legal, including the election of a new chief.<\/p>\n
The situation at present is that we have a new chief i.e.
\nSoeryadi, and an ex-chief Megawati. This is the legal situation.
\nAs is usually the case the law and constitution of a party can be
\ninterpreted in different ways. Megawati still clings to the
\nposition as chief of PDI and Soeryadi claims that from now on he
\nis the legal PDI chief and has been recognized as such by the
\ngovernment.<\/p>\n
According to the Armed Forces Chief, who of course speaks on
\nbehalf of the government, the planned congress by Megawati's
\ngroup has no legal basis and thus will not get government
\npermission. This is in line with government policy.<\/p>\n
However, I was surprised when I read in the newspapers of June
\n26, 1996 about the statement of the Armed Forces Chief, that he
\nwould not help Soerjadi (the new legal PDI chief) oust the
\nillegal chief Megawati from the premises of the PDI headquarters.
\nGen. Feisal Tanjung said that this is an internal affair of the
\nPDI.<\/p>\n
Why this sudden change of attitude? This is not an internal
\nmatter anymore, The PDI problem is a national problem, and the
\ngovernment has made it clear where it stands.<\/p>\n
If I am not mistaken, these premises are given to be used as
\nheadquarters by the legal leadership of a political party. If I,
\nas a private citizen, report to the proper authorities that my
\nneighbor, without any legal right, has occupied my house, the
\ngovernment has the responsibility to act on this and not say that
\nthis is an internal matter between neighbors.<\/p>\n
I admire the government for its courage in taking a consistent
\nstand in the PDI conflict, and I hope this consistency will not
\nchange.<\/p>\n
SOEGIH ARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/govt-stand-in-pdi-row-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }