Agung challenges Akbar for Golkar leadership post

Agung challenges Akbar for Golkar leadership post

Kurniawan Hari and Indra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surabaya

House of Representatives Speaker Agung Laksono threw down the
gauntlet against Golkar Party leader Akbar Tandjung on Monday,
saying he was ready to vie for the party's top post in its
incoming congress in Bali.

"I will be among the candidates for the party's leadership
post at the congress. This is my response to support from some
province and regency offices," Agung said at the end of his book
launch which was attended by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
here.

The book tells about Agung's political career, which began
when he became head of the Golkar youth wing. The book was
prepared by a team led by businessman Edward Soeryajaya, whose
father William Soeryajaya founded PT Astra International, one of
the country's largest auto companies.

Agung, who is also Golkar deputy leader, denied speculation
that Susilo's presence was evidence of the President's
endorsement of his nomination. The House speaker said Susilo was
invited "as a friend".

Akbar did not attend. He opted to pay visits to party offices
across the country ahead of the congress to be held between Dec.
15 and Dec. 20. But he sent some flowers to congratulate Agung.

Agung now joins former presidential candidates Wiranto and
Surya Paloh, House lawmaker Marwah Daud Ibrahim and another
Golkar deputy leader, Slamet Effendy Yusuf, as Akbar's main
rivals.

Despite their claim of wide popular support, both former
Indonesian Military chief Wiranto and media magnate Paloh will
face administrative obstacles, because, according to the party
statutes only a candidate who has been a member of the party for
more than five years is allowed to run in the election.

A candidate also must garner support from at least 10
provincial offices to be qualified.

Wiranto has been tipped by past Golkar leaders as the
strongest challenger to Akbar, who they said had created a rift
in the party, because he supported Megawati Soekarnoputri in the
presidential election runoff in September. Wiranto beat Akbar in
Golkar presidential convention in April.

Agung acknowledged that he had consulted with Akbar about his
intentions in a private meeting on Saturday. During the
discussion, Agung said Akbar could accept his plan.

But Agung's campaign team member Yuddy Chrisnandi said Akbar
was surprised by Agung's plan. Previously Agung had played down
his nomination.

Yuddy said Agung's support would come from West Java, Banten
and Jakarta provincial chapters.

Separately, the East Java chapter decided on Monday to delay
its regional meeting until the Golkar congress after failing to
resolve a controversy over the nomination of former deputy East
Java governor Soenaryo as the chapter's leader. Consequently, the
chapter will lose it right to vote, according to deputy secretary
Edy Wahyudi.

Soenaryo's candidacy had drawn the ire of many as he remained
an active civil servant when his nomination was announced on Nov.
29. He will challenge incumbent leader Ridwan Hisjam, who is an
Akbar loyalist.

Supporters of Soenaryo said he had already retired when he
declared his bid for the top post in the party's provincial
chapter, although President Susilo had not officially signed a
letter to accept his retirement.