Golkar's defiant politicians signal possibility of return

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)