Golkar to officially declare itself political party

Golkar to officially declare itself political party

JAKARTA (JP): The ruling political grouping Golkar opens a new
chapter in its history when it officially declares itself a
political party on Sunday.

Andi Matalatta, chairman of the Golkar faction at the House of
Representatives, said the decision was in line with the law and
sweeping changes occurring in Golkar, formerly termed a
"political grouping", in the past year.

The declaration will be made at the opening ceremony of a
three-day Golkar leadership meeting.

"In accordance with the 1999 law on political parties, Golkar
must register with the Ministry of Justice as a political party.
This means a change in Golkar's legal status from a political
grouping to a political party," Andi told The Jakarta Post on
Friday.

During the three decades of the New Order rule, which ended
with Soeharto's resignation last May, Golkar insisted it was not
a political party, although its far-reaching role undermined the
profession.

The fall of the authoritarian regime plunged Golkar, its major
pillar, into troubled water. Yet Andi was optimistic the
political organization would weather the difficult times.

Andi said that in its new incarnation, Golkar would contest
the June 7 election in a fair manner.

"Preparations both at party headquarters and in provincial
chapters and regencies are in place and will be finalized during
the leadership meeting," he said.

Golkar executives are expected to focus on vote-getting
programs and strategies.

The grouping was unchallenged at the past six elections amid
allegations of vote rigging and other violations.

Golkar romped home with a record 74 percent of the vote in
the last polls held in 1997.

Andi said a victory would prove Golkar still has a place in
people's hearts.

"I believe Golkar has a bright future because it still has
supporters and sympathizers across the country," Andi said,
adding that Golkar intends to establish a legitimate and
democratic government.

"You know that Golkar has undergone a total overhaul to pay
for its past sins. We, Golkar, apply a new paradigm and stance on
the changing national political stage."

But Golkar is not prepared to take the blame for New Order
mistakes, Andi said, as it served only as a political tool of the
former political elite.

"Following president Soeharto's resignation last May, Golkar
has been free from any government interference," Andi said.

A new government regulation which bars civil servants from
pledging their allegiance to political parties delivered a big
blow to Golkar.

In the past, civil servants were obliged to vote for Golkar.

Andi believed it was a blessing in disguise for Golkar
because it would strive to uphold democracy.

Andi said his party did not expect to enjoy the landslide wins
of the past.

He said that despite continuous criticism and condemnation
from a variety of sources, Golkar possessed many advantages in
comparison to its challengers.

"They will pay dividends for us in the election."

Andi said its decade-long experience in mobilizing masses in
elections enabled it to set up branches in all the provinces,
regencies and subdistricts.

"Most importantly, Golkar has expert human resources to run a
political organization and formulate brilliant strategies to win
elections."

He claimed proreform figures dominated key positions in
Golkar.

A recent exodus of important figures from the party would not
adversely affect its image in its bid to win the election, he
added.

A number of renowned figures -- including former minister of
defense Gen. (ret) Edi Sudradjat, former state minister of sports
and youth affairs Hayono Isman, former minister of environment
Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, and former minister of transmigration
Siswono Yudohusodo -- have left Golkar to establish their own
parties.

Andi denied allegations Golkar applied a money politics
strategy to win the election, but acknowledged the party has
spent a lot of money to finance its programs. He countered it was
a common strategy invoked by many other parties.

"Spending a lot of money to organize meetings with our
supporters and sympathizers is not against the law."

He said Golkar was still involved in many cooperative programs
with farmers and small and medium-sized companies in rural and
urban areas.

"But it is not money politics if people participating in the
programs vote for Golkar in the next election," he said.

Selection of legislative candidates and discussions to draw up
criteria for presidential candidates will also be on the agenda.

"The meeting is not expected to unveil our presidential
candidates because we will only name them after the elections,"
Andi said. (rms)