Golkar's future still bright, says Rudini
JAKARTA (JP): The future of the ruling political organization Golkar is bright if it can prove its effectiveness as a true representation of the people's aspirations, said political observer Rudini yesterday.
Speaking in a discussion with Jakarta-based political correspondents, he said Golkar should not be rigid in responding to voices for reform.
"Golkar's future will completely rest on its commitment to transform itself into a purely political party," he said.
The once dominant faction's future now appears in limbo, as traditional allies have broken ranks and its chairman Harmoko faces a possible revolt in the coming Golkar extraordinary session in two weeks.
The new political climate has also given birth to a more relaxed political system with new political parties cropping up almost daily and a new electoral and political party law expected soon, all of which could diminish the stranglehold of power held by Golkar for so long.
Analysts have even predicted that Golkar and the other two main political parties -- the United Development Party and the Indonesian Democratic Party -- would soon disappear in line with the demise of former president Soeharto's rule.
Rudini, formerly a minister of home affairs, however said he was confident that Golkar could still win the people's support and sympathy, if it could transform itself.
"At least people in the villages still have trust in Golkar," he claimed.
Rudini, who now chairs the Institute for Strategic Studies of Indonesia, said one of Golkar's first moves must be erasing the exclusiveness of its membership recruitment.
"There are not supposed to be A, B and G categories in Golkar's membership anymore," he said, referring to the three main components of Golkar.
"A" represents the Armed Forces (ABRI), "B" is Bureaucrats and "G" other social and religious elements.
Golkar was established in October 1964 as an amalgamation of seven organizations which included the Armed Forces, labor organization SOKSI, cooperative movement Kosgoro and the Musyawarah Kekeluargaan Gotong Royong (MKGR).
Political observers say that at least four factions now in the ruling political organization have an interest in seeing Golkar maintain its supremacy in the country's political arena.
One group is said to be connected to Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita, the second is connected to Soeharto's supporters and led by former Golkar official Rachmat Witoelar.
The third group is connected to President B.J. Habibie, while the fourth is a coalition of retired ABRI officials.
Speaking on the Armed Forces' stance if the ongoing economic crisis later develops into a chaotic situation, Rudini expressed confidence that ABRI would not exploit the situation to prop up a military junta.
"I am sure that ABRI will remain objective in viewing the crisis," said Rudini who has also served as Army Chief of Staff.
"ABRI may temporarily take control over such a chaotic situation, but it would return the mandate to the People's Consultative Assembly when the situation returned to normal," he added.
He also dismissed speculations that Armed Forces chief Gen. Wiranto's close ties with former president Soeharto would affect his and the armed forces headquarters' commitment for reform.
"His close ties with Pak Harto are merely like a father-and- son relationship," he said.
Rudini said that he saw no indication that Wiranto still works for Soeharto.
"Should the relationship develop into a political alliance, Wiranto will face strong opposition from the whole nation," he said of the Armed Forces commander who once served as adjutant to the country's second president. (imn)