Akbar-Surya rivalry at convention intensifies

Akbar-Surya rivalry at convention intensifies

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

In an apparent bid to prevent the rivalry between Golkar Party
presidential candidates Akbar Tandjung and Surya Paloh from
becoming hostile, the party's executives have decided to separate
them during the final rally here scheduled for Wednesday.

Unlike other parties, which are concentrating their masses in
one particular place on the last day of campaigning, Golkar will
divide its vote-getters into several venues.

Golkar convention deputy secretary Rully Chairul Azwar said
that on Wednesday Akbar would join the rally in South Jakarta and
in Central Jakarta while Surya would campaign in West Jakarta.

"Rivalry is to be expected. The more important thing is that
neither candidate engages in a smear campaign," Rully said on
Monday.

Media magnate Surya has come under harsh criticism from some
Golkar leaders for what they have called "negative campaigning",
which has discredited Golkar.

According to them, Surya often asked the audience during
rallies whether there were corrupters within the party. Surya
also used to pledge to uproot corruption in the party.

Although Surya has not mentioned any names, Golkar leaders
perceive it to be a direct attack on Akbar, who was acquitted in
a Rp 40 billion graft case.

Akbar, the Golkar leader, has threatened to ban Surya from
campaigning unless the latter clarifies his statements on
corruption.

Asked if the decision to separate Akbar and Surya was
connected with the rivalry, Rully simply said that the policy was
designed to avoid a concentration of Golkar supporters in one
location.

Separately, a member of Surya's campaign team, Elman Saragih,
said the separation had nothing to do with the rivalry between
his boss and Akbar.

He acknowledged, however, the two had been involved in a
debate.

"As party members, however, they must be ready to promote the
party. The division of campaign venues should be perceived as a
party order," Elman told The Jakarta Post.

Rully said fellow presidential candidates, businessman
Aburizal Bakrie and former military chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto,
would campaign in East Jakarta and North Jakarta respectively.

Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla and
former chief of the Army's Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad)
Lt. Gen. (ret) Prabowo Subianto would not campaign in Jakarta.

"Prabowo will campaign in another city while Kalla can't
campaign because of his state duties," he added.

Rully appreciated the enthusiasm of all six presidential
candidates in promoting Golkar during their campaign. According
to him, their enthusiasm proved that the party convention
remained on the right track and was beneficial.

Golkar will select its sole presidential candidate on April 20
after the six candidates present their views.

"I guarantee there will be no leadership meeting before the
convention," he said, referring to a meeting that could be held
to change the regulations of the convention.

Rully said Akbar stood a greater chance now that he had been
acquitted on graft charges.

He also predicted the composition of the vote in the
convention would change due to the creation of 24 municipalities
and regencies in the country.