Arifin replaces Sophan in PDI Perjuangan

Arifin replaces Sophan in PDI Perjuangan

Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Arifin Panigoro has returned to the inner circle of the
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan)
following his appointment as chairman of the party's faction at
the People's Consultative Assembly, replacing Sophan Sophiaan,
who resigned.

The party has taken account of Arifin's "tested experience" at
the House of Representatives and therefore designated the
politician, who is also a prominent businessman, to take one of
the party's strategic positions at the House, deputy secretary
Pramono Anung told a media conference.

The announcement came after a weekly meeting presided over by
chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, who is the President.

Sophan tendered his resignation late in January, saying that
he was unable to adapt himself to the country's current political
situation. The move sparked speculation of an internal rift in
the party, which holds, at 153, the most seats in the House.

Sophan, also known as a film actor, denied the speculation,
saying that he would remain in PDI perjuangan but was determined
to relinquish his position as chairman of the party's faction at
the Assembly.

"We have decided to appoint Arifin Panigoro to replace Sophan
for the reason that his performance at the House has proved to be
reliable," Pramono said.

In late August 2000, a group of PDI Perjuangan legislators
filed a motion of no confidence in Arifin, who then chaired the
party's faction at the House.

The motion was said to have been initiated by senior party
figures who objected to having newcomers appear in PDI
Perjuangan's structure and the faction's leadership. They also
lashed out at Arifin for his outspoken criticism against then
president Abdurrahman Wahid.

The party top executives then named Roy BB Janis the
substitute for Arifin.

Some PDI Perjuangan members have also questioned Arifin's
personal qualities, as he has close ties with some Golkar Party
figures who played important roles in the past regime, such as
Ginandjar Kartasasmita.

His ties with Golkar came as no surprise, as Arifin was a
former member of the People's Consultative Assembly for the
Golkar Party from 1997 to 1999. He left the former ruling party
in early 1999 for PDI Perjuangan, the current ruling party.