Golkar's executive board 'selected on merit'

JAKARTA (JP): Golkar chairman Harmoko maintains that the absence of military-affiliated personnel from the newly named faction's executive board at the House of Representatives does not project a civilian-military dichotomy.

In an interview with The Jakarta Post yesterday, Harmoko said the selection was based purely on merit.

"Their selection is based on their achievement, dedication, discipline and loyalty to our organization," he said.

"As an organization we must have our own system and mechanism, otherwise we will remain weak and fragile," he added.

Harmoko, who is also State Minister of Special Assignments, asserted that there has never been a dichotomy between the Armed Forces (ABRI) and civilians in evaluating Golkar cadres.

Harmoko announced on Tuesday the new lineup for Golkar's executive board at the House.

It will be led by veteran legislator Theo Sambuaga who will be assisted by five deputies.

For the first time under the New Order government the faction's executive board is free from military personnel with no retired officers being selected.

Harmoko brushed aside this fact, saying that once someone joined Golkar he or she was equally treated regardless of their military or civilian background.

Harmoko was elected as chairman in 1993. He is tipped to replace his predecessor Wahono to become speaker of the House.

The former journalist is one of the longest-serving ministers in the cabinet. He was appointed minister of information in 1983, replaced only by former Army chief Hartono in June.

Harmoko, 58, was then appointed as state minister of special assignments.

He will be officially inducted into the House at the swearing- in ceremony on Wednesday, leading the largest majority the faction has ever seen.

Some have suggested that while the Golkar executive board at the House may be free from military retirees, some of those chosen still hold some allegiance to military elements, such as deputy chairman Ery Sukardja and Danny Soedarsono who are both members of the Communication Forum for the Offspring of Retired Armed Forces Members (FKPPI).

While he did not directly refer to this, Harmoko was apparently aware of the continuing presence of the kinship.

"Theo is a civilian, but his father-in-law is Maj. Gen. Soekardi," Harmoko noted.

Speaking of the faction's executive board at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Harmoko said the criteria for selection was exactly the same: merit.

The 1,000-member Assembly will convene in March to select a president and vice president and draft the State Policy Guidelines.

Golkar will occupy 488 seats in MPR.

Harmoko has picked retired vice marshal and State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita as head of the faction's executive board at MPR.

Also named as one of Ginandjar's six deputies is President Soeharto's daughter Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana.

"The choice of Ginandjar is based on his capability and long experience," Harmoko said.

"Because we prioritize quality," he said of Golkar's selections for executive board members. (prb)