Factions dispute timetable for General Session

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)