Golkar plans to go on with Central Java event
SEMARANG (JP): Despite growing calls for postponement of Golkar events due to the fear of disturbances, the party is putting off by only one day the planned visit of its chairman Akbar Tandjung to Central Java.
Akbar is scheduled to meet party cadres at Sriwedari stadium in Surakarta on Sunday. Party executives said the meeting was rescheduled because Saturday is the Islamic New Year.
Golkar Surakarta executive Yusuf Hidayat said on Monday Akbar's visit was confirmed for Sunday.
"The party will take responsibility and anticipate any undesirable events." He said preparations included security for the meeting projected to attract 15,000 Golkar members.
Every party has the right to gather, Yusuf said, terming Golkar "peace-loving". Akbar expressed the same view.
Party executives and a member of the local elections committee have been among those urging postponement of Akbar's visit until apprehension over recent attacks again Golkar members, including Purbalingga incident early this month, has subsided.
The incident unfolded when Akbar was about to officiate at a party function in the town. Crowds wearing party symbols of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) attacked supporters and Akbar's car, although Akbar was unharmed.
Police said arrests included members of Pemuda Pancasila, a charge denied by the youth group.
The deputy to the Surakarta elections committee, Zaenal Maarif, also believed Akbar should postpone his visit.
Chairman of Surakarta's chapter of PDI Perjuangan, Slamet Suryanto, said the people's resentment against Golkar was partly because Akbar, also the minister/state secretary, said the party had named several ministers for its campaign. His announcement was made amid controversy over whether ministers could campaign.
The General Elections Commission has ruled that political parties cannot recruit members of the bureaucracy, including ministers, and the military in campaigning. The government is opposed to the ban, saying ministers often campaign in developed countries.
Clashes have continued in Central Java but without the involvement of Golkar members.
On Sunday night five sustained stab wounds in a clash between residents in Bonang district of Demak. District head Djatmiko said it was triggered after youths became involved in a heated exchange of insults. A resident said the clash was between supporters of the United Development Party (PPP) and the National Awakening Party (PKB), both Muslim-based organizations.
PPP's provincial chairman Hendro Suyitno admitted tension with supporters of the PKB in Pekalongan, Demak, Semarang, Batang and Brebes regencies. Party executives are working on building harmony among different parties' supporters, he said.
In Jakarta, a planned debate for presidential nominees of respective political parties has drawn comment.
Former finance minister Mar'ie Muhammad urged candidates to state the presidential term of office should be limited to one term although the People's Consultative Assembly has ruled a limit of two terms. "A president would think only of how to keep his second term," Mar'ie said.
In Madura, East Java, National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Amien Rais said the party was prepared to sue Attorney General Andi M. Ghalib if he was not serious in investigating corruption allegations against former president Soeharto.
In Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara, police said they were still investigating the burning of a PAN flag in Golewa, Ngada regency, on Thursday midnight.
Antara reported from Bandarlampung that parties were trying to outdo each other in making their presence known. They have installed flags on various hills and in the forestry reserve surrounding Betung Mountain. (har/nur/yac)