Golkar 'dissidents' look set to announce their stance soon

JAKARTA (JP): One hundred and fifty dissenting members of the ruling Golkar grouping are to meet soon to plan their future strategy.

Antara on Thursday quoted member Uncu Natsir, who is coordinating the meeting, as saying that the talks titled Golkar in the Multiparty Era were planned for Nov. 30 to Dec. 1.

Divisions are becoming increasingly visible in the grouping, as indicated by the recent replacement of more than 100 Golkar legislators from the House of Representatives by chairman Akbar Tandjung.

The talks, Uncu said, were initiated by former minister of youth affairs and sport Hayono Isman, Bambang Warih Koesoema, Indra Bambang Utoyo, Tatto S. Pradjamanggala, Sri Edi Swasono, Udju S. Dinata, Mubha Kahar Muang, Ben Silitonga, Kristiya Kartika, Umar Mansyur, Ria Rumata Aritonang, and Suwarno, the agency reported.

Speakers will include self-proclaimed presidential candidate Emil Salim, Golkar faction chairman in the People's Consultative Assembly Marzuki Darusman, political scientists Nurcholish Madjid, AS Hikam, and Indria Samego, and Golkar members Bambang Warih Koesoema and Tadjuddin Nursaid. Bambang was removed from the House in January 1995.

In response to why chairman Akbar was not slated as a speaker, Uncu said Akbar was invited but because he could not attend he had appointed Marzuki to replace him.

"He has to attend functions with President B.J. Habibie on the same dates," Uncu said.

As to whether the members might end up quitting Golkar, another member, Umar Mansur, said: "We still care for Golkar, but Golkar's position in the future needs in-depth study."

The talks would be a forum to provide input for Golkar, he said. (anr)