PDI Perjuangan not to run in West Java gubernatorial race<\/p>\n
Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung<\/p>\n
Megawati Soekarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party of
\nStruggle (PDI Perjuangan) has sprung a surprise by dropping out
\nof the race for West Java's gubernatorial post, despite the fact
\nthat the party holds the most seats in the provincial
\nlegislature.<\/p>\n
The party will only contest the position of deputy governor,
\nwith the chairman of the party's faction in the legislature, Rudy
\nHarsa Tanaya, nominated for the post.<\/p>\n
Rudy is the sole PDI Perjuangan member to receive Megawati's
\nblessing for the gubernatorial or deputy gubernatorial post,
\ncausing speculation that the party chairwoman, who is also the
\nPresident, will support a candidate with a military or
\nbureaucratic background for the governor's seat.<\/p>\n
Megawati's endorsement recently helped Sutiyoso, a retired
\nlieutenant general, win a second term as Jakarta governor,
\ndespite his alleged involvement in the July 27, 1996, fatal
\nattack on the headquarters of Megawati's party. She also backed
\nthe reelection of seasoned bureaucrat Oemarsono for the top
\nexecutive post in Lampung, though he eventually lost.<\/p>\n
"We (the PDI Perjuangan) will be more realistic," Rudy said of
\nhis candidacy.<\/p>\n
The new governor of West Java will replace R. Nuriana, whose
\nsecond five-year term ends in June.<\/p>\n
As of Monday, some 74 candidates, including two PDI Perjuangan
\nmembers, Lumi Darmawan and Gatot Tjahjono, have registered with
\nthe commission in charge of the election for governor and deputy
\ngovernor.<\/p>\n
Golkar has reportedly nominated former Siliwangi Military
\ncommander Maj. Gen. (ret) Tayo Tarmadi and incumbent provincial
\nsecretary Danny Setiawan for the gubernatorial and deputy
\ngubernatorial posts, respectively.<\/p>\n
PDI Perjuangan member Lumi will run for the governorship, with
\nsupport from the National Mandate Party faction.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Islamic-based United Development Party (PPP),
\nthe National Awakening Party (PKB), the Justice Party (PK) and
\nthe Crescent Star Party (PBB) appear likely to support Hidayat
\nSalim, who heads the West Java chapter of Muslim organization
\nMuhammadiyah, for the governor's post.<\/p>\n
PDI Perjuangan holds 30 of the 100 seats in the provincial
\nlegislature, while the Golkar Party has 21 seats.<\/p>\n
Eka Santosa, the speaker of the West Java legislature, said
\nthe home minister had instructed the legislative body to hold the
\ngubernatorial election immediately. The registration of
\ncandidates will last until March 7.<\/p>\n
Several local figures, academics and non-governmental
\norganizations have demanded that the election process be delayed,
\npending the passage of the general elections law that was just
\nendorsed by the House of Representatives.<\/p>\n
"It will give more legitimacy to the new provincial
\ngovernment. The delay would also prevent possible money
\npolitics," Rizal Fadillah, chairman of the West Java branch of
\nthe United Development Party of Reform, said.<\/p>\n
But Eka said the legislature would comply with the home
\nminister's orders and proceed with the election process.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/pdi-perjuangan-not-to-run-in-west-java-gubernatorial-race-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}