Golkar's defiant politicians signal possibility of return

JAKARTA (JP): Several Golkar politicians who deserted the party during the past general election attended an official party gathering on Friday, signaling the possibility of their return.

Rachmat Witoelar and Indra Bambang Utoyo were among the defiant politicians who left Golkar but were seen again conferring closely with their former party colleagues at the Golkar headquarters in Slipi, West Jakarta.

Rachmat, the party's former secretary-general, along with outspoken retired generals, were at the forefront of Barisan Nasional (National Front), which became noted for its harsh criticism of the B.J. Habibie government.

"I quit from Golkar because, in the past, the party was only used as a tool to retain power by the status quo," the husband of Minister of Settlement and Regional Development Erna Witoelar said.

While refusing to say whether he intended to officially return to the party, Rachmat said Golkar needs to become more democratic.

He did not shy away from criticism lamenting that despite the pronounced changes in the party, they were still artificial.

"I see the changes are still fake. The new Golkar and the old one are the same," Rachmat was quoted by Antara as saying.

He added that he was working outside the party organization to help reform the party.

Several Golkar politicians walked away from the party and established their own political organizations following the fall of former president Soeharto.

Among those who jumped ship were former Golkar deputy chairman Jacob Tobing, who joined the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), and former Golkar chairman candidate Gen. (ret.) Edi Sudrajat, who set up the Unity and Justice Party (PKP) after being defeated by Akbar Tandjung in the race for the top Golkar seat.

Many analysts believe the exodus of many Golkar politicians was due to discontent with the rise of former president B.J. Habibie. (jun)