Akbar's post-election fate

Akbar's post-election fate

The conflict within the Golkar Party following the
presidential election is now reaching a head, with senior leaders
Fahmi Idris and other members bringing their cases to court to
seek an annulment of their ousting by the party's central board.

Fahmi is also demanding a national conference be held to seek
the accountability of Akbar Tandjung as Golkar leader because of
the Nationhood Coalition's failure to effectively support
Megawati Soekarnoputri in the runoff.

In addition, Fahmi will urge Akbar to step down because of the
political collapse, before the national conference removes him
from his office.

In fact, Fahmi and his followers should have exercised
restraint by avoiding any defiance of the central board, which
led to their dismissal. This is in view of Akbar's contribution
and sacrifice to rescue the party.

At the start of the reform period, through the perseverance of
Akbar, Golkar survived despite its failure to direct during the
New Order. It emerged as the second-largest party in the 1999
general elections.

In the case of State Logistics Agency fund misappropriation,
Golkar was again in danger of extinction, however, it was
eventually rescued when Akbar was acquitted of charges.

H. WISDARMANTO GS., Jakarta