Are Golkar and PDI-P horse trading?

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Lobbying among political factions that intensify after debates on constitutional amendment came to a deadlock has prompted suspicion of horse trading among major political parties.

On the spotlight are the two biggest factions in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and Golkar Party.

Irate National Awakening Party (PKB) legislators say that the horse trading would result in distorted amendment on the 1945 Constitution.

"I question the motive behind the lobbying," said Amru Al- Mu'tashim, a legislator from faction during a meeting on Tuesday.

PDI Perjuangan and the Golkar factions had allegedly made deal between themselves on how the presidential election should proceed if the nominee fails to win more than half of the votes.

PDI Perjuangan legislator Jacob Tobing denied the accusation that his faction had resorted to a "take-and-give" tactic with Golkar in the amendment process.

"Well, it's a mistake to call it give-and-take. We uphold rule of the game to build a good system," Jacob told the press.

PDI Perjuangan had proposed that the Assembly be given authority to elect the president from two nominees that collect biggest votes in the first election.

While Golkar suggested that a second round of voting be carried out to avoid interference by the Assembly.

With the deal between the two factions, there is speculation that Golkar would change stance and agree to give the Assembly the authority to elect president.

"Let's see the end results to prove who tell the truth," said Golkar's legislator Slamet Effendy Yusuf.