Cadres call for organizational reform in Golkar

JAKARTA (JP): Cadres of the ruling Golkar called on the political organization yesterday to comply with the reform spirit and free itself of external interference.

The Golkar cadres, grouped under a breakaway coalition of members of three Golkar elements -- business wing Kosgoro, labor wing SOKSI and social group MKGR -- raised their demand at the end of a one-day seminar on Golkar's future status.

Rio Tambunan, a SOKSI cadre, read out a joint declaration after the meeting which included the establishment of a National Committee for Reform to follow-up on Golkar's commitment for reform.

The group said Golkar must be able to put the reform spirit into practice.

"Golkar's executive board must provide room for reformists," it said.

The Golkar cadres also insisted on the organization's freedom from external influence.

They asked the upcoming extraordinary Golkar congress to abolish Golkar's board of patrons, board of advisors and board of councilors from its structure.

"Only after it can remove the board of patrons, the board of advisors and the board of councilors, can Golkar develop its independence," they said.

Military observer Harsudiono Hartas supported the idea of abolishing the board of patrons and advisory board.

"Golkar's executive board will never be independent while the board of patrons still exists," Harsudiono told the seminar participants.

"The veto rights of the chief patron can hamper the process," he said.

The chief patron is former president Soeharto, while President B.J. Habibie is executive chairman.

Harsudiono further argued that Golkar did not need an advisory board.

Asked about Golkar's possible fate during an era of tighter multiparty political competition, he said the dominant political organization could survive as long as it was willing to totally reform itself.

Harsudiono, a former Armed Forces chief of sociopolitical affairs, dismissed reports over his involvement in boosting former minister of defense and security Edi Sudradjat's candidacy for the Golkar chair.

"I am not involved in Pak Edi's nomination for Golkar chairman," he said, "I'm only giving him moral support."

The agenda for electing a new Golkar chairman will most likely be included in Golkar's extraordinary congress, slated for July 9 to July 11.

Harsudiono, however, was confident the Armed Forces Veterans Association (PEPABRI) would be behind Edi's nomination.

The association is chaired by former vice president Try Sutrisno.

Edi, who campaigned for Golkar in last year's election campaign, will reportedly be nominated by a coalition of retired Armed Forces officials.

Edi is reportedly also supported by a Golkar internal faction led by former vice president Sudharmono.

With just a week to go before the extraordinary congress, the race to replace incumbent chairman Harmoko appears to be heating up.

Apart from the coalition of retired ABRI officials and the Sudharmono faction, two other major groups appear to be making serious preparations for the race.

A faction led by Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita will reportedly nominate Lt. Gen. Agum Gumelar, governor of the National Resilience Institute.

Another faction connected to President B.J. Habibie will reportedly nominate Akbar Tandjung, the minister/state secretary. (imn)