Golkar recruits celebrities and Moslem preachers
JAKARTA (JP): 'King' of Dangdut music Rhoma Irama, soap opera hero Rano Karno, government critic Ali Sadikin, enigmatic Moslem leader Abdurrahman Wahid, controversial politician Sri Bintang Pamungkas and pop singer Iwan Fals are a few of the big names that are being put forward as legislative candidates for next year's general election.
The three political organizations, Golkar, the United Development Party (PPP) and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) will submit their lists of legislative candidates to the National Election Institute today.
The rift ridden PDI will submit two lists: one drawn up by the party's new chairman Soerjadi and one drawn up by Megawati Soekarnoputri. Soerjadi ousted Megawati in a rebel government- sanctioned congress in June.
Soerjadi's camp said it would submit its list of more than 850 prospective House members to the election institute today.
Meanwhile, Megawati has been approaching well-known figures such as Ali Sadikin, Abdurrachman Wahid, Iwan Fals and Emha Ainun Nadjib to be her candidates, but it is not known if they will accept the nominations.
The conservative Moslem-oriented PPP has not publicized its list of prospective House members. But there is speculation that the party will dismiss its outspoken legislator Matori Abdul Djalil.
Matori was recently reprimanded by the PPP leadership because, in his capacity as a member of the National Brotherhood Foundation, he signed a petition criticizing the government.
Besides celebrities like Rhoma and Rano, the ruling Golkar organization is nominating more than a dozen well-known Moslem preachers affiliated to Nahdlatul Ulama, a 30 million-strong Moslem organization.
"We want to show that Golkar has the support of Moslem groups, and has roots in both urban and rural areas," said Dien Samsudin over the weekend. He heads Golkar's research and development division.
Among the Moslem preachers being nominated are Ahmad, Alie Yafie, Amin Syukur, Muhtarom, Habib Luftie, Ali Mufid, Muntaha, Aminuddin Syanwar and Mustofa Zuhad. From the influential Muhammadiyah Moslem educational organization, Golkar is also nominating several people, including Lukman Harun.
Golkar Secretary-general Ary Mardjono said that many Golkar activists were unhappy because they were not on the list of nominees despite their long service and contribution.
"I think it's natural (to be unhappy). But there have been no protests from Golkar members who are not listed as legislative candidates," he said.
Agung Laksono, one of Golkar's deputy chiefs, said Golkar was recruiting many "public figures" to get as many votes as possible next year.
A celebrity like Rhoma, he said, was recruited because he is highly popular, has unquestionable communication skills and is well-versed in his profession.
Although Megawati's leadership has not been recognized by the government, she is determined to submit her own list of House member candidates.
The government has said it will only accept Soerjadi's list of PDI candidates, not hers. (pan)