Cloning political party

Dimyati Hartono, a senior member of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) who left the party in discouragement at its failure to promote reforms, is contemplating the formation of a new political party. But look how Mr. Dimyati has begun: by seeking the support of Ms. Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, the President's estranged sibling.

A political party that calls itself reformist is relying on a well-connected name, instead of ideas, to draw members. What kind of members will the new party appeal to if, instead of offering a new vision and enunciating new policies, it merely presents another well-connected face to people? The current fractious, figurehead-oriented system of political parties is a major impediment to democracy and reform.

The country doesn't need a clone of the other political parties; it may not need another political party at all. It does need someone to figure out a better way to ensure that the party system will be reformed in time to yield better results in the next general election.

DONNA K. WOODWARD

Medan, North Sumatra