Golkar praised for fielding civilian figures
JAKARTA (JP): Golkar's decision to let young and civilian figures lead its faction in the House of Representatives drew applause yesterday.
Outgoing Golkar legislators Krissantono and Oka Mahendra said the dominant political organization was applying a timely regeneration program.
"Golkar is indeed expected to give its younger cadres greater chances to assume strategic positions," he said.
Golkar announced on Tuesday a new lineup for its House faction executive board led by Theo Sambuaga, chairman of the House's interparliamentary cooperation body.
Theo will be assisted by five deputies, including Irsyad Sudiro, Slamet Effendy Yusuf, Nikentari Musdiono, Andi Mattalata and Ery Sukardja.
Syamsul Mu'arif, who led a House special committee set up to amend its internal rules, was appointed the faction's secretary. Named as undersecretaries were Bobby Suhardiman, Rambe Kamarul Zaman, Danny Soedarsono, Teuku Syahrul and Budi Haryanto.
The new House legislators will be sworn in on Oct. 1.
Golkar will fill a whopping 325 of 500 seats in the House.
Oka, a well-known government critic, dismissed speculation that the exclusion of Armed Forces retirees in the House augured a rift between civilian and military factions in Golkar.
"It's not a matter of a civilian-dominated leadership board, but it's the right time for the Armed Forces to take a backseat in its role," said Oka, who will automatically retire after 20 years of service in the House.
Krissantono agreed with Oka, saying that the younger-looking leadership of the faction would prove that Golkar possessed potential and promising cadres.
"They just need more opportunity to show they can perform well," he said.
He said the military retirees' regular presence would now be represented by their children.
They include Deputy Chairman of Industrial and Development Affairs Erie and Deputy Secretary of People's Welfare Danny. Both are executives of the Communication Forum for the Offspring of Retired Armed Forces Members (FKPPI).
However, he was doubtful that the younger leaders would have enough wisdom to solve problems as many Armed Forces retirees had shown before.
"They still need guidance and full support from the Armed Forces retirees. If necessary, Golkar will name some retired military members as their advisors," Krissantono said.
The faction's advisory board is made up of Golkar chairman Harmoko and his deputy Abdul Gafur.
"The inclusion of military retirees on the advisory board will also avoid an image that Golkar's bigger family has split," he said.
Golkar's bigger family incorporates activists, bureaucrats and Armed Forces members. (amd)