Cronyism not a factor in new MPR appointments: Akbar

JAKARTA (JP): Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung dismissed speculation that the selection of 41 new members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), most of whom were sworn in yesterday, was based on their close relationship with President B.J. Habibie.

The appointments were based on their backgrounds, professions and organizations, Akbar said yesterday.

"The President considers them as having the capacity to play a positive role in the Assembly," he told journalists after a hearing at the House of Representatives.

He conceded that several names could be perceived as being close to Habibie, but said their selection was based more on their ability to contribute to the synergy of the Assembly.

Assembly Speaker Harmoko yesterday swore in 39 of the new members selected to replace members who had retired, resigned or passed away.

Two others that were due to be sworn in were absent.

Dewi Fortuna Anwar was reportedly still abroad, while Tuti Sinsun Gondong could not arrive in time for the ceremony because she had missed her flight from her home in Manado, North Sulawesi.

A few of the new members are ministers in the Cabinet, while others either held posts in the past or are known to be close associates with Habibie.

Cabinet ministers Farid Moeloek, Soleh Solahuddin, Boediono and Bambang Soebianto were on the list while two of Habibie's assistants, political scientist Dewi Fortuna Anwar and Let. Gen. Sintong Panjaitan, were also included.

Journalist Parni Hadi, a close presidential advisor on media affairs, was chosen as well.

Akbar maintained that the new members were not meant to "cleanse" the Assembly from members who might be loyal to former president Soeharto.

"The Assembly stands in the uppermost position in our legislative hierarchy," he said.

The Assembly is Indonesia's highest institution with the authority to elect a president and vice president and to set the state policy guidelines.

The Assembly's composition could play a crucial role since it is expected to hold an extraordinary session in December to set the date for polls next year.

Separately, after the swearing-in ceremony yesterday, Harmoko said more new members would be sworn-in in the near future. He did not say when or how many would be replaced.

The ceremony for yesterday's new members gave a hurried impression and one even admitted of only being told of her appointment the night before.

"Pak Gafur called me last night at around 9 p.m. and told me that I shouldn't plan for anything today because I had been summoned to the Assembly," Ulla Nuchrawaty said referring to Assembly deputy speaker Abdul Gafur.

"I immediately kissed the ground to thank God for the opportunity," said the mother of two who has been a Golkar activist for at least five years.

Ulla was an overnight replacement for noted economist Christianto Wibisono who refused his appointment.

Christianto who was in Portland, the United States, said in a faxed statement that it would be irresponsible for him to accept the appointment for the sake of prestige alone and that he could not come to Indonesia because he was staying with his family who were recuperating from the traumatic events of the May riots.

"Due to my absence from the ceremony, I consequently state that I cannot accept the appointment," Christianto said in the letter. (emf)