Golkar proposes civilian candidates for governor

JAKARTA (JP): Civilian figures, Deputy Governor of Economic and Development Affairs Tb.M. Rais and legislator HR Agung Laksono, were two candidates proposed by Golkar for Jakarta's next governor.

Yesterday was the last day people could propose candidates for governor. The proposals were sent through council factions, or directly to Council Speaker M.H. Ritonga.

Chairman of the Golkar faction, Soegijo, said as of yesterday, Golkar received 10 proposed candidates.

"The proposed candidates on our list were not represented by their priority, or the ones who were most proposed," Soegijo said after the faction's meeting, "The list was from people's proposals to our faction."

Golkar's proposed candidates included Governor Surjadi Soedirdja, former city military commander Lt. Gen. A.M. Hendropriyono, City Military Commander May. Gen. Sutiyoso, Council Speaker M.H. Ritonga, chief of the Army Territorial Center May. Gen. Adang Ruchiatna P., chairman of Golkar city- chapter Tadjus Sobirin, legislator Achmadi, former deputy governor of government affairs Edi M. Nalapraya, Deputy Governor of Economic and Development Affairs Tb.M. Rais and legislator HR Agung Laksono.

Earlier, Golkar refused to name its list of candidates saying that it still was waiting for people's proposals.

The United Development Party (PPP) proposed six candidates to the City Council yesterday.

"The list is already official," PPP's deputy chairman, Saud Rachman, said.

The proposed candidates were Surjadi Soedirdja, Hendropriyono, Sutiyoso, Ritonga, Rais and Deputy Governor of Administrative Affairs Idroes.

The Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) proposed four candidates on Monday. The candidates were Surjadi Soedirdja, Hendropriyono, Sutiyoso and Ritonga.

Out of the factions' proposed candidates to become Jakarta's next governor, most of them had a military background.

The Armed Forces (ABRI) received three proposed candidates from the public: Surjadi, Hendropriyono and Sutiyoso.

Rais and Agung Laksono were the only civilian candidates.

Political researcher Mahrus Irsyam said Thursday Jakarta could still expect military figures as governor for some time to come, because a governor from the military would have better access to both civilian and military resources in times of need, such as riots.

The council is scheduled to hold a meeting on Monday to screen proposed candidates, which must be a minimum of three and a maximum of five people, before consulting Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. (ste)