Akbar, Megawati to be no-shows at debate

JAKARTA (JP): Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri definitely will not show up at the planned debate for presidential hopefuls at the University of Indonesia (UI) on Tuesday.

Quoting organizer, student Agus Hariyadi, Antara said the debate would be participated in by at least four figures: Amien Rais of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Yusril Ihza Mahendra of the Crescent Star Party (PBB), Didin Hafiddudhin of the Justice Party (PK) and Sri Bintang Pamungkas of the Indonesian Democratic Union Party (PUDI).

Budiman Sudjatmiko of the Democratic People's Party (PRD) is also invited but has yet to receive official permission to leave Cipinang Prison in East Jakarta, where he is serving time for subversive activities committed during the Soeharto regime, long enough to take part in the debate.

The debate will start at 1 p.m. in UI's student hall at its Salemba campus. SCTV station will broadcast the event at 10 p.m.

In Jombang, East Java, however, Akbar said Golkar had appointed a deputy chairman to attend the debate. He did not say who.

Akbar said he had declined participation not because he feared the debate but rather due to his state duty as the minister/state secretary in accompanying President B.J. Habibie in Bali.

Separately in Jakarta, Golkar deputy chairman Theo L. Sambuaga said his party welcomed the open debate, saying it would contribute to democratization in the country.

"It's incorrect to say the debate is not suitable to Indonesian culture," he said.

Theo suggested such a debate be held not only in Jakarta but also in other parts of the country. He also said the best timing would be during the People's Consultative Assembly's General Session in November, when parties would know their shares of vote.

On Megawati's absence from the event, one of her loyalists controversially argued against such a debate on the grounds that it was not in accordance to Indonesian culture.

Megawati, founding president Sukarno's eldest daughter, is well-known as a politician who usually only cracks a smile in response to questions posed to her.

Another comment on her refusal came on Monday from an American expert on Indonesia, Jeffrey Winters, who said in an interview with Jakarta's Pro2FM radio program that Megawati's excuse was regrettable.

He said that while Megawati's absence might be her own business, it remained a question why she continued to refuse to participate.

Winters speculated that Megawati might not have seen the debate format as fitting for her.

However, he said Megawati's absence might hurt her political image. (aan)