Ginandjar finally selected for MPR from West Java

Ginandjar finally selected for MPR from West Java

BANDUNG (JP): Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and
Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita has been selected as a member of
the West Java regional representative in the People's
Consultative Assembly (MPR).

Ginandjar and Habib Syarif Muhammad, chairman of West Java
chapter of the National Awakening Party, secured the most votes
here on Thursday evening to grab the last two of five seats to
represent West Java in the Assembly.

Ginandjar obtained 91 votes, followed by Habib with 51 votes.
Another candidate, Burhanuddin Somawinata, chairman of the United
Development Party's provincial chapter, just missed out as he
came one vote shy of Habib.

The provincial council comprises 98 members, with the
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle having the largest number
of seats with 30.

Ginandjar has said he will resign from his ministry if
appointed a legislative representative.

The newly elected representative will join three other elected
regional representatives from West Java -- Bandung Institute of
Technology (ITB) rector Lilik Hendrajaya, businessman D. Sutrisno
and Solichin G.P. of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle
-- who were chosen on Wednesday.

Each province is allotted five representatives in the 700-
member Assembly who in November will elect a new president.

Meanwhile in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi, members of the
provincial chapter of the Golkar Party said it would forward A.A.
Baramuli, chairman of the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA), as one
of the candidates for the province's regional representatives.

Baramuli's younger brother, Eddy Baramuli, who is vice
chairman of Golkar's South Sulawesi chapter, claimed that the
party would throw its full support behind the senior Baramuli.

"Golkar will fight for Baramuli as he is a national figure
from our province," Eddy said, adding the party would first seek
President B.J. Habibie's permission as Baramuli was a state
official.

However, party sources told The Jakarta Post that Baramuli was
not among the leading candidates to be nominated by Golkar,
pointing to Minister of Information Yunus Yosfiah and businessman
Jusuf Kalla as the leading candidates. (37/43/emf)