A new party?

A new party?

Coming from a veteran politician, the moves which K.H.Yusuf Hasyim (Pak Ud) makes are often startling. The record of this son of the founder of NU (Nahdatul Ulama) is often considered controversial.

As a politician perhaps Pak Ud has been successful in playing his part. He is known as a man who can transform simple cases into important issues. He takes decisions fast and daringly. It is only natural that because of these qualities he is rather feared.

Reportedly, in the wake of the 3rd national congress of PPP (the United Development Party), Pak Ud professed to be bewildered and even angry. He accused Buya Ismail of being arrogant. He claimed to be denigrated because he was appointed vice chairman of the PPP board without his having been consulted.

According to Pak Ud his bewilderment could last for quite some time -- a day, two days, or even months. And while in a state of bewilderment he was capable, together with Kyai Syansuri and Kyai Alawy, form a startling decision. They discussed not only the question of accepting or refusing the offer to sit in the board, they aired the matter of the need for a new political party.

Although professedly in a state of bewilderment, they certainly could not be joking. They are well aware that establishing a new party is not an easy matter. The law at this moment does not permit the formation of a new party in Indonesia.

Viewed from a political point of view, various speculations can arise. Pak Ud may be bargaining with the power holders -- which he has denied. Perhaps he is honestly angry and is trying to "deflate" Ismail Hasan Metareum's PPP. It could also be that Pak Ud, who is known to be close to non-government organizations, is truly thinking of establishing a new party.

However, it could also be that with the idea Pak Ud is proving himself a true PPP man. As one who has a thorough knowledge of both the PPP and NU it could be that he simply does not want to see the party's supporters switch to another organization -- the PDI (Indonesian Democratic Party) for example.

-- Republika