The PDI furor<\/p>\n
Over the last few weeks, there have been rumors that a \"final
\nsolution\" to remove two prominent figures from Indonesia's
\npolitical scene has been drawn up. The targets are Megawati
\nSoekarnoputri, chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party
\n(PDI), and Abdurrahman Wahid, chairman of the populist Moslem
\norganization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). The two are reportedly
\nconsidered potential threats in the upcoming People's
\nConsultative Assembly (MPR) session scheduled to convene in March
\n1998. One of the items on the agenda is electing a new president.<\/p>\n
Megawati is perceived as a threat because some people have
\nalready suggested she should run for president, against President
\nSoeharto, should the latter choose to run for yet another term in
\noffice. Therefore, according to these rumors, she has to be
\nexpelled before the end of July, the deadline for the political
\nparties to hand in their list of candidates for the 1998-2003
\nHouse of Representatives (DPR).<\/p>\n
Considering her growing popularity among the PDI grassroots
\nand the repeated failure of previous efforts by rival PDI
\nactivists to topple her, it was reportedly decided that she would
\nhave to be toppled in a \"constitutional\" manner, in line with the
\nparty's constitutional procedures. This would have to be
\nsupported by a majority of the party's members, comprised mostly
\nof the anti-Megawati faction within the PDI.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile Abdurrahman Wahid, being an outspoken man, is
\nperceived as a possible troublemaker in the coming MPR session.
\nHis persistent criticism of the government and his ostensibly
\n\"apolitical\" stance are considered dangerous. The deadline for
\nAbdurrahman Wahid's downfall has reportedly been set for October,
\nbefore the NU celebrates its 73th anniversary.<\/p>\n
What happened in the last few days -- a delegation claiming to
\nrepresent a majority of the PDI's regional chapters went to the
\nMinistry of Home Affairs to request a permit for a rival congress
\nto change the leadership -- sounds exactly like such a shady
\nstratagem. And the prompt endorsement of the planned congress by
\nthe government does rather make one wonder whether the rumors
\nmight be true after all.<\/p>\n
But who can really distinguish between rumor and fact? The
\ngovernment and the military have repeatedly denied any
\ninvolvement in the meddling in the PDI's problems.<\/p>\n
And we cannot doubt their sincerity.<\/p>\n
Megawati herself said that those trying to topple her are an
\n\"internal group within the PDI\" which is in cahoots with an
\n\"external power\". Who this \"external power\" might be remains a
\nmystery. But judging from the speed with which the anti-Megawati
\ngroup has taken over the PDI executive board, it is likely that
\nthey have indeed received some sort of tacit support from the
\nauthorities.<\/p>\n
The question as to who masterminded this coup aside -- the
\nfact remains that Megawati's chairmanship is in deep trouble. She
\nhas to face a very formidable foe. Yet it is clear also that she
\nhas a lot of loyal supporters. That a growing number of
\nsupporters are willing to sign their names in blood to protect
\nher leadership is not only an unprecedented development, it is
\nalso indicative of a hardened stance against the plotters.<\/p>\n
What has happened in the PDI is deplorable. The use of such a
\ncontemptuous method to topple a constitutionally elected party
\nleader is not merely a localized political setback for Megawati
\nbut also a tragedy for our embryonic democracy. Remember that the
\ntimes have changed. Our political landscape has changed. We have
\na more open society and our citizens are becoming increasingly
\npolitically aware. Anybody with an education will be able to see
\nwhat is really behind this lamentable affair.<\/p>\n
It is conceivable that this whole sorry scheme might backfire.
\nBut we fear that unpleasant things could happen if the situation
\ngets worse. This could disrupt our nation's stability. To
\nsacrifice such a precious thing for what seem like personal
\nreasons is plain unacceptable.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-pdi-furor-1447899208",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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