Golkar prepares for bigger win
JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of the ruling political organization Golkar yesterday began their three-day congress to discuss strategies to record an even greater victory in the 1997 general election. Golkar aims to increase its percentage of the vote from 68 percent in 1992 to 71 percent.
Party executives said the three-percent increase would solidify Golkar's position as the dominant political grouping and ensure "the continuation of the New Order government".
In his speech Chairman Harmoko did not mention any figure, but said that Golkar should not only increase its number of votes but push for a better general election.
"Quantitatively...this means we have to increase our victory from what we gained in 1992. If Golkar got 68.10 percent then, we could consider our victory solid if we could increase our number of votes in 1997," he said.
Deputy chair Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, who also organizes Golkar's leadership meeting and 32nd anniversary celebration on Sunday, said she hoped Golkar would win as many votes as possible, but doubted it would see a significant increase.
"What's important is that Golkar can retain an absolute majority," she said.
Harmoko also instructed Golkar branches across the country to give estimates of their target vote levels. "I called on all branches to present relatively accurate estimates (which reflect their success) in garnering votes, so that the target we decided on would have strong base," he said.
The meeting itself was held at the Gran Melia Hotel and was opened by Hartarto acting on behalf of President Soeharto, who is chairman of the board of patrons. About 1,000 leading members dressed in yellow jackets, the grouping's color, gathered in the ball room which was lavishly decorated with yellow flowers and ornaments.
Armed Forces (ABRI) Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung and ABRI Chief of Sociopolitical Affairs Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid wore their green uniforms. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Hartono, who declared last year that ABRI would support Golkar, wore a yellow jacket.
In contrast, the chiefs of regional military commands from Indonesia's 27 provinces wore batik shirts.
In his speech, President Soeharto reminded Golkar members that political development would never proceed with ripplings here and there. "It (political life and development) is dynamic. But, no matter what, we must never sacrifice political stability...it's a prerequisite for us to develop the people's welfare".
"Ahead of us is a great responsibility. There's no alternative to a successful general election, and Golkar's success in the general election," he said. "For that purpose, all Golkar cadres have to work hard, whether they are preparing programs and strategies or election campaigning."
Golkar and the two other political groupings -- the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) and the United Development Party (PPP) -- will contest 425 of the 500 seats in the House of Representatives. The remaining 75 will be allocated for ABRI representatives as ABRI members who do not vote.
Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M., Golkar secretary general Ary Mardjono and deputy chairmen Abdul Gafur and Theo L. Sambuaga all spoke at the meeting. At the congress Golkar will discuss the domestic political map and prepare a political statement to be delivered on Sunday.
Harmoko said the criteria for electing a president in 1998 when the 1,000-member People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) convene was also discussed.
Social scientist Marwah Daud Ibrahim, who is a Golkar cadre, said a portion of yesterday's meeting was used for introspection. "We reminded one another how Golkar figures and leaders should become populist leaders, able to win people's hearts," she said.
Political scientist Burhan Magenda, also a Golkar member, said the grouping would have to work very hard if it wished to achieve the three percent increase, because the two other contestants would give the election their best. (swe/imn)
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