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.