Four parties support Mega

Four parties support Mega

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Leaders of four political parties threw their support behind
presidential candidate Megawati Soekarnoputri on Thursday, but
doubts lingered that the move would improve her chances in the
September runoff.

The Golkar Party, Muslim-based United Development Party (PPP),
Christian-based Prosperous Peace Party (PDS) and the Indonesian
Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) also agreed to form a loose
coalition in the House of Representatives (DPR) until 2009.

"We shall prove that our constituents share our opinions and
the grass roots are rallying behind us," said PPP chairman Hamzah
Haz, who is also the incumbent vice president.

"If we lose (the election), we shall form the opposition in
the House," Hamzah said. The four parties have 307 seats combined
in the 550-member House.

Also present at the declaration ceremony were Concern for the
Nation Functional Party (PKPB) chairman R. Hartono, Marhaenisme
Indonesian National Party (PNI Marhaenisme) chairwoman Sukmawati
Soekarnoputri and Reform Start Party (PBR) chairman Zainuddin MZ.

Megawati, who is seeking a full five-year term in the Sept. 20
election, has trailed behind her former coordinating minister for
political and security affairs, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, in
virtually all opinion polls.

The loose coalition, which hopes to boost Megawati's chances,
will be led by Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung, who was defeated
by Gen. (ret) Wiranto in his party's presidential convention in
May.

Akbar said the four parties would continue as separate
factions in the House, but would share views before making
strategic decisions.

"This would apply to our branches across the country, in their
respective councils and local administrations," he said.

Akbar added that leaders of the four parties would soon tour
the country to disseminate information about the coalition to
local party leaders and their constituents.

Megawati expressed optimism that the move would help her
secure the presidential post in the Sept. 20 election.

"God willing, victory will be ours," she said.

However, experts doubted the move would help Megawati in the
upcoming election.

Political analyst Arbi Sanit from the University of Indonesia
said that the coalition would improve the incumbent's chances
only if the parties were able to maximize the effectiveness of
their political machinery.

Golkar, former president Soeharto's political machine for more
than three decades, undoubtedly has the largest and well-
maintained party organization down to village level, which helped
the party to win the April 5 legislative election.

Sukardi Rinakit of Soegeng Sarjadi Syndicate said the grouping
did not guarantee that the bulk of voters would choose Megawati
in the runoff.

"The coalition does not guarantee that they will win the
election -- it is the popular vote that counts," said Sukardi,
adding that winning the runoff depended on the candidates'
popularity and credibility with the electorate.

Commenting on coalition-building, Susilo said the move could
endanger people's freedom to exercise their political preference
in the runoff.

"I'm not saying that building a coalition with other parties
is unnecessary; my point is that people should be free from any
intervention when they cast their votes," Susilo said at his
residence in Cikeas, Bogor.

COALITION'S POINTS OF COOPERATION
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1. Ensuring victory for the Megawati Soekarnoputri-Hasyim

Muzadi pair in the upcoming presidential election.
2. Establishing a strong, clean and effective government based on

professionalism and collectivity.
3. Improving the effectiveness and role of legislative bodies

in fighting for people's aspirations.
4. Improving partnership between the executive and legislative

bodies across the country.
5. Improving the role of political parties within a more

democratic atmosphere.