Cak Nur seeks presidency through book
Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Prominent Muslim scholar Nurcholish Madjid is pursuing his presidential bid next year by launching a book on nation-building titled Indonesia Kita (Our Indonesia).
The 157-page book was launched on Saturday, containing a 10- point political platform to rebuild Indonesia should he be elected president in 2004.
"Although the political platform needs further details in its actual implementation, it nevertheless represents my proposed solutions to the nation's current problems," said Cak Nur, as he is better know.
The program includes establishing good governance and upholding the supremacy of the law through the elimination of the pervasive culture of feudalism, as well as promoting national unity through a cultural approach and by creating a more humane police and military.
National reconciliation, economic reform and the strengthening of civil freedom are also among Cak Nur's main concerns, as well as improvement in the quality of national education and social justice.
He also suggested that Indonesia take a more active role in promoting world peace.
Saturday's launching ceremony, held at the Hilton Executive Club, was attended by a number of national figures, senior politicians and presidential hopefuls.
Those present included Pioneer Party leader Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) leader Hidayat Nur Wahid, Indonesian Justice and Unity Party (PKPI) leader Edi Sudrajat and Democrat Social Labor Party (PDSD) leader Muchtar Pakpahan.
National figures attending the ceremony were Azyumardi Azra, Franz Magnis Suseno, Solahuddin Wahid, Taufik Abdullah, HS Dillon, Frans Seda and Achmad Tirtosudiro.
Other guests included Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) coordinator Teten Masduki, Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) member Erry Riyana Hardjapemekas, Father Mudji Sutrisno and Bondan Gunawan.
Cak Nur has announced his bid to contest the first ever direct presidential election in 2004, challenging other candidates including incumbent President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Amien Rais and Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid.
He recently decided to withdraw from a Golkar Party convention to select a presidential candidate.
Cak Nur said that no political party had officially nominated him as the new presidential candidate, although he had held talks with several party leaders, including the latest meeting in Yogyakarta with Amien, who chairs the National Mandate Party (PAN).
"The top priority for all parties now is to discuss their list of legislative candidates, including how to fulfill the 30 percent quota for women and avoid unscrupulous politicians in their lists. The parties have delayed announcing their presidential candidates," Cak Nur said.
Edi Sudrajat, a retired Army general, had also invited Cak Nur to several meetings with his PKPI supporters.
Cak Nur explained that his recent meeting with Amien was merely to share and discuss views on the future of Indonesia.
"I will have similar meetings in January and February with other party figures to discuss our views," he added.