Golkar plans to go on with Central Java event

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)