Changes likely at ICMI with Hartono's entry

JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI) is likely to undergo major changes if Information Minister R. Hartono, a fast rising political figure, joins, an observer says.

There could be changes to the organization's leadership and its future direction, Muhammad A.S. Hikam of the National Institute of Sciences said yesterday.

Hartono was as politically well-connected as ICMI's chairman, State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie, Hikam told The Jakarta Post.

Hartono, a retired general and former Army chief of staff, announced Friday his intention of joining ICMI, which many political analysts say has become one of the major political powers in Indonesia.

Hartono said he had the interests of Moslems and the nation in mind when he decided to join ICMI, because he wanted to make sure that Moslems "do not take the wrong step".

Hikam said Hartono's remarks meant he would probably make changes within ICMI if he joined.

ICMI's politicking has caused debate within the Islamic movement since it was founded in 1990, Hikam said.

"ICMI is thick with politics. Hartono's presence could divert ICMI's activities to more intellectual and society-oriented programs," he said.

Hartono, whose membership to any mass organization must be approved by President Soeharto because he is a cabinet minister, has not ruled out assuming the leadership of ICMI "if that's what the public want."

Hartono's future political career has been the subject of speculation since he was appointed to the cabinet in June.

Some analysts put Hartono among the leading contenders for the vice presidential position in next March's election alongside Habibie and the incumbent Try Sutrisno.

ICMI's secretary-general, Adi Sasono, welcomed Hartono's stated intention of joining the organization, saying he would bring synergy, particularly to ICMI's people's empowerment programs, Kompas reported.

But Adi has pointed out that ICMI's next leadership election is not due until 2000.

Hikam said Adi should clarify whether he meant synergy with ICMI' programs, or political synergy.

Hikam said he was certain that Hartono, given his capacity, would be given a key influential position within ICMI. "(But) whether it is as chairman or not is another matter."

Hikam said Hartono's plan to join ICMI was part of a series of changes happening on the national political scene. The replacement of long-serving information minister Harmoko in June by Hartono was also "part of the package", he said. (10)