Golkar cadres asked to win 1997 election

Golkar cadres asked to win 1997 election

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, in his capacity as chairman
of Golkar's board of patrons, called on the group's cadres to
ensure victory in the 1997 general election.

In a written speech delivered by board member Saleh Afiff to
a national Golkar meeting yesterday, Soeharto told Golkar members
to continue educating the public about the group's contribution
to national development in order to convince people to vote for
Golkar.

"If Golkar cadres can present a convincing picture of its
achievements, I'm sure people will have no doubts about choosing
Golkar in the coming election," Soeharto said.

Golkar has had little resistance from the two opposing parties
in past elections. In the 1987 and 1992 elections, Golkar
acquired 74.7 and 70.5 percent of the 400 contested seats in the
500-seat House of Representatives. The remaining 100 seats were
allocated to members of the Armed Forces. They do not vote.

The Moslem-based United Development Party received 15.3 and
15.4 percent of the seats in the last two elections. The
Christian-nationalist alliance Indonesian Democratic Party got 10
and 14 percent of the seats.

Soeharto said the New Order administration has been identified
as the Golkar administration so the successes and failures of
national development are also Golkar's.

He stressed the need to continuously build the trust and
sympathy of the people. He said cadres, particularly bureaucrats,
should display commitment to government programs aimed at
boosting welfare and prosperity.

He said support can be garnered through a personal, neighborly
approach by going door-to-door.

Soeharto emphasized that it was important for Golkar members
to work for the success of the organization and also voice the
aspirations of the people.

Yesterday's second national working meeting was attended by
Golkar chairman Harmoko, who is also Minister of Information.
Secretary-General Ary Mardjono also attended.

Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security
Soesilo Soedarman, Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman
Djojonegoro, and Minister of Population/Chairman of the National
Family Planning Board Haryono Suyono, attended the meeting as
Golkar's patrons. Saleh Afiff, the speaker at the meeting, is the
coordinating minister for the economy and finance.

The meeting also discussed strategies to face the upcoming
election, Antara reported.

Chairman Harmoko reminded Golkar members that the general
election is fast approaching, and called on them to help ensure a
sixth straight victory.

"There's no place for slow, ignorant cadres in this vigorous
move to bring Golkar to victory in the election," Harmoko said.
"Every Golkar cadre has to realize that winning the 1997 general
election is a must, there should be no dilly-dallying or
bargaining about it."

Ever since being elected Golkar chairman in 1993, Harmoko has
toured the country almost non-stop to meet with cadres. Critics
have labeled the tour as illegal vote garnering.

Harmoko has stated he aims to retain at least the same number
of seats Golkar won in the 1992 election. (mds)