Another Golkar proposition for PDI-P

GARUT, West Java (JP): Despite having been rebuffed for an earlier overture, Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung again made a proposition to poll winner Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) saying that the two parties' shared stance on various issues was enough reason for future cooperation.

Addressing reporters on the sidelines of a wedding party for the second son of PDI Perjuangan's chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, Akbar said here on Sunday that he still hoped the two parties would "contribute significantly together" to the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

The two parties could continue to cooperate in providing the public with political education and meeting people's aspirations, he said. He also claimed recent talks between leaders of the two parties had yielded "positive responses, albeit not deep enough".

"We will dig deeper later on, especially on issues that will be discussed at the MPR session," he said. He pointed out that both parties were already in agreement over issues such as the amendment of the 1945 Constitution and concepts of a five year development period.

Akbar insisted, however, that Golkar would still field incumbent B.J. Habibie as its presidential candidate, albeit with a condition that his account of leadership satisfied the MPR.

PDI Perjuangan named Megawati as its presidential candidate.

Akbar first made the overture last month, but Megawati turned it down citing a large difference between the two parties.

Some observers have become concerned of a possible deadlock in the MPR session as competition between Habibie and Megawati has become increasingly stiff.

Another presidential hopeful, Amien Rais of the National Mandate Party (PAN), set up an alternative political alliance which he called the "axis force" and proposed the presidency of Abdurrahman Wahid, the founder of the National Awakening Party (PKB).

In Surabaya, Amien urged on Sunday the dismissal of civilian militias ahead of the MPR session to prevent clashes between supporters of different presidential candidates.

Addressing the first anniversary of his party, Amien cited a number of supporter groups such as Lasykar Tengkorak (The Skull Legion) and Barisan Mati Megawati (Willing to Die for Megawati Soldiers) on one side, and Lasykar Jihad (Jihad Legion) and Pasukan Jihad (Jihad Army) which support Habibie on the other. Many such groups have threatened to come to Jakarta to pressure legislators to favor their candidates.

Amien said it was not democratic to use the power of the masses against other groups. He urged political leaders to restrain and educate their supporters wisely.

"If this condition persists, I'm afraid Indonesia will see its ruin in the next General Session," he said.

Amien used the opportunity to send home his message that the axis force would be the ideal choice over the two big parties "which fight each other".

He insisted the axis force was not only supported by the original eight Islamic parties, but also other small non-Islamic parties.

"There's a misperception that the grouping supports Habibie and is exclusive to Muslims," he said.

Despite opposition by some leaders of the axis force, Amien again expressed his support for Abdurrahman's presidency. The ailing chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama, better known as Gus Dur, was "getting healthier, and his eyesight was improving".

"I'm a Muhamaddiyah leader and I support Gus Dur. Isn't it strange that there are members of Nahdatul Ulema who don't support his nomination," he said.

Separately, political observer Eep Saefulloh Fatah said at a seminar at the Al Azhar Grand Mosque that the axis force should consolidate and choose to take a long-term goal of becoming the voice of the Muslim force in the national political arena.

He said the force's goals should not only have its presidential candidate win, but more importantly boost the position of Muslims.

He proposed alternative positions for the axis force to occupy the next administration. He said it could either become a junior partner in the government or the opposition in legislative councils. Regardless of the position, however, the Muslim force should serve as an effective monitor for how the country is being run, he said.

"The axis force should have a clear concept of reform agenda which is in line with Muslim aspirations... and to lead Muslims toward establishing a civil society," he said. (06/43/nur/swe)