Cak Nur seeks presidency through book
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.