Factions dispute timetable for General Session
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia looks certain to elect a president this month, but the exact timing of the election remains a source of contention among factions of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).
On the eve of the start of the Assembly's General Session, two different timetables for the General Session have been put forward for the consideration of the 700-member Assembly.
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) has proposed one schedule, with members of a small team led by Crescent Star Party chief (PBB) Yusril Ihza Mahendra proposing another option.
PDI Perjuangan, which won the most seats in the June 7 General Election, maintained that the General Session, including the presidential election, should be held in one single two-week period with a new president being elected by Oct. 12.
"Our country is in such a pitiful state. If we prolong it further the people will only suffer more," PDI Perjuangan executive Dimyati Hartono said on Thursday.
Dimyati contended that the only solution for the national crisis was for a legitimate leadership to be established as soon as possible.
The first option was drafted by a small team from various parties, including Golkar and the National Mandate Party (PAN), headed by (PBB) leader Yusril Ihza Mahendra.
This option recommends two separate phases.
The first phase would be held from Oct. 1 to Oct. 3, with Assembly members focusing on establishing internal rules and selecting speakers for the Assembly and House of Representatives. In addition, members would establish a working committee to draft amendments to the Constitution, Assembly decrees and the national guidelines.
The Assembly would then adjourn till Oct. 22, after which a General Session to elect the president and decide other matters would be held, with the session winding up on Nov. 1.
"We expect the presidential election to be held on Oct. 28," Yusril said.
Golkar legislator Slamet Effendy Yusuf said the party would stick by the first option, a move also supported by the Indonesian Military (TNI).
However, he was quick to add that the itinerary was not fixed.
"Basically, we welcome any alternative ideas and we are prepared to seek compromises. For us, a decision must be unanimously agreed to by all parties," said Slamet, who is one of Golkar's deputy chairpersons.
He said Golkar supported mounting demands for the presidential election to be moved up the timetable, but insisted that a president could be chosen only after endorsement of the State Policy Guidelines.
"During his or her term in office, the president will abide by the guidelines. In the absence of guidelines, the president will be given carte blanche," Slamet said.
The second alternative, put forward by PDI Perjuangan, proposes that the General Session be run without interruptions for a fortnight, with the president selected at the end of the session.
Assembly members will determine the final schedule on Monday evening, after their installation ceremony.
Approval of the second alternative could directly affect the presidential nomination of the candidates.
Golkar has said that it might review incumbent B.J. Habibie's nomination in a leadership meeting scheduled for the middle of this month. (amd)