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.