Golkar praised for fielding civilian figures

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)