PDI should close ranks in difficult times<\/p>\n
Rebel members of the rift-ridden Indonesian Democratic Party
\n(PDI) are planning to hold a congress in Medan tomorrow.
\nPolitical scientist J. Soedjati Djiwandono takes a closer look at
\nthis event.<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): It is doubtful that the congress of the
\nIndonesian Democratic Party to be convened tomorrow will bring a
\nsolution to its long-standing leadership crisis. It may even mark
\nthe beginning of another more serious crisis.<\/p>\n
The split within the party is far more serious than before. It
\nhas finally affected its central executive board, although not
\nfor the first time. The pretext of the split has been differences
\nin interpreting certain provisions of the party's statutes and
\nby-laws in efforts to overcome its leadership crisis.<\/p>\n
Like a reflection of Indonesia's political system, the party
\nseems to have no statutory provision to solve such a problem. In
\nprinciple, party members as a whole should have the final say.
\nBut outside of the forum of a congress, how can they exercise
\nthat power?<\/p>\n
Can anyone in the central executive board simply claim
\nmajority support and exploit it to convene a congress so that
\nthey can have their way?<\/p>\n
Do the "rebel" leaders not owe their present positions in the
\ncentral executive board to Megawati Soekarnoputri as the leader
\nof their party? Does this not mean they have accepted her as the
\nelected leader from the last national assembly held in Jakarta
\nthree years ago? This is not to say that her election was
\nconstitutionally and legally valid. But interestingly, this is
\nnot a point at issue.<\/p>\n
Of course, for whatever reason, they may have found Megawati
\ndisappointing or unfavorable. But what they are doing will set a
\nbad precedent for the party. In future it might go from one
\nleadership crisis to the next, marked by internal bickering and
\ndivision if a leader's performance falls below expectations by
\nthe end of his or her term.<\/p>\n
During tough times caused by external pressure and
\ninterference, Megawati deserves support for her leadership from
\nall levels of the party as well as from rank and file party
\nmembers because she is the party's representative. They should
\nclose ranks instead of going their own ways.<\/p>\n
It is hard not to think that the rebel leaders and their
\nsupporters have their own personal interests at heart, rather
\nthan those of the party.<\/p>\n
As Thomas Jefferson once said, "My loyalty to the party ends,
\nwhere my loyalty to the country begins." The word "country", of
\ncourse, does not always mean "government".<\/p>\n
Indeed, the government's attitude has been baffling.
\nCuriously, it seems to claim the authority to offer the right
\ninterpretation of the party's statutes and by-laws, and has done
\nso in favor of the splinter group.<\/p>\n
This creates the impression that its greatest reason for
\nbacking the party's congress is motivated by its desire to be rid
\nof Megawati; for reasons one can only guess.<\/p>\n
It has continually advised unity and dialog to overcome the
\nparty's split. Yet it seems ready to back any splinter group in
\nthe party opposed to Megawati's leadership, seemingly without
\naccount of any possible implications.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Megawati has continued to stick her neck out. But
\nfor her to do otherwise would probably justify the government's
\ncontinuous interference and harassment. Her attitude has cost her
\nthe support of some friends, which is a risk she should have
\ncalculated.<\/p>\n
It is a moot point to say which side has been right in terms
\nof serving national or party interests. Perhaps the future will
\ntell. But right does not always win the day.<\/p>\n
By its name, the PDI purports to be dedicated to the
\ndemocratic cause. The way in which it puts its own house in
\norder, by following the ideals and principles of democracy, will
\nreflect its commitment to democracy and thus its credibility.<\/p>\n
With goodwill and good faith, it may still be possible to save
\nthe party from further disaster at the eleventh hour. But it
\ntakes a good deal of courage and statesmanship to sacrifice
\npersonal vanity and ambition in the interests of higher moral
\nvalues and principles. These today are scarce commodities among
\nIndonesian political leaders.<\/p>\n
The writer is a member of the Board of Directors at the Center
\nfor Strategic and International Studies, Jakarta.<\/p>",
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