A backlash against Golkar

A backlash against Golkar

With less than a fortnight to go before the ballots are cast
in what could easily be the most crucial general election in this
country's history, things do not seem to be looking too well for
the erstwhile all-powerful ruling party, Golkar.

Obvious obstacles on Golkar's road to a possible victory are
the two separate, but related, alliances forged between
opposition parties during the past week. The first was between
the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), the
National Awakening Party (PKB) and the National Mandate Party
(PAN); the second between PAN, the United Development Party (PPP)
and the Justice Party (PK).

Though predicting future political developments is always a
tricky business, many observers believe that those two alliances
will be strong enough to block Golkar from once again becoming
the dominant political force in this country. Analysts also argue
that Golkar could very likely be prevented from garnering --
together with its allies -- enough votes to renominate B.J.
Habibie to the presidency for another term in the upcoming
general session of the People's Consultative Assembly.

Neither does displeasure with Golkar and Habibie seem to be
restricted to the elite layers in the opposition camp alone.
Attacks directed at Golkar personnel and property in Jakarta and
elsewhere -- ostensibly by people who have no clear political
affinity with the party -- suggests that feelings of resentment
against Golkar, still linger among the public at large.
Campaigning for the general election has provided an ideal outlet
for the manifestation of a backlash against Golkar, one of the
major backers of the old regime.

In this climate, it is easy for those in the opposition camp
to congratulate themselves on their perceived accomplishment in
restraining Golkar and to become complacent. They need to be
reminded that Golkar is not about to let itself give up its
objective to retain its dominant position without a fight. After
all, it can be assumed that having been in positions of power for
more than 30 years as members or associates of a corrupt
authoritarian regime, all too many people who belong or have
belonged to the old structure, have a sincere interest in
perpetuating the status quo.

Hence, there is no reason to be surprised at reports from the
Election Supervisory Committee that in many regions of the
country, members of the bureaucracy continue to use their
positions of authority -- as well as public facilities under
their control -- to coerce people into voting for Golkar. The
ruling party still controls huge amounts of money for campaign
purposes -- or, as some people allege, for buying votes if
necessary. Most radio and television stations are also controlled
by individuals who in the past were close to the Soeharto family.

Alliances between pro-reform parties can certainly help to
keep the reform drive on course. Unfortunately, there are signs
the two coalitions established in recent days may not be strong
or cohesive enough to be able to withstand a countermove from the
pro-status quo camp. For example, there has been disagreement in
the pro-reform ranks as to the wisdom of PAN's move to associate
itself with two different tactical alliances -- with PDI
Perjuangan and PKB on the one hand and PPP and PK on the other.

Obviously, though, with the crucial House and presidential
elections approaching, the all important thing for the reform-
minded parties to keep in mind is that they might well lose not
just the battle, but the entire war against the entrenched status
quo unless they manage to remain faithful to their common goal
and not let themselves become divided.