Golkar's grass roots place their trust in Wiranto

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Gen. (ret) Wiranto's upset win of the Golkar's presidential candidacy at the party's convention on Wednesday morning was a clear sign most party members valued strong leadership and stability, analysts said.

The victory of the former military chief over party leader Akbar Tandjung also reflected a growing sentiment among Golkar regional leaders that Wiranto would be able to bring the party the July 5 presidential election, they said.

Daniel Sparringa from the Surabaya-based Airlangga University said grassroots pragmatism had helped assure Wiranto's victory.

"Golkar's regental branches and provincial chapters think the country needs a strong leader. This idea is also reflected in the nomination of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, an ex-military figure, by the Democratic Party," he told The Jakarta Post here.

Wiranto soundly beat Akbar, winning 315 votes to Akbar's total of 227. Most of Wiranto's supporters were believed to have been regental and provincial delegates. Four delegates' votes were declared invalid and one abstained. Akbar won the support of many provincial chapters and got 18 votes from the Central Executive Board (DPP).

Political scientist Saiful Mujani said Golkar's regional leaders considered Wiranto more marketable than Akbar in a presidential election.

Many analysts doubted the sincerity of Golkar when it introduced its plans for a convention last year, which they viewed as a ploy to catapult Akbar into the presidency, Saiful said. They were surprised Tuesday night upon learning Akbar had little power to control the vote count.

Analyst Fachry Ali, who is known to be close to Golkar, credited the party, saying it had introduced a bold new system to select national leaders.

Daniel predicted Wiranto's camp would gradually undermine Akbar's grip of power in Golkar. However, an internal conflict in the party could weaken its chances in the presidential election, he said.

Separately, Akbar said the Central Executive Board (DPP) would soon invite Wiranto to talk about his possible running mate.

Akbar said he believed Wiranto had already approached some political figures about being his vice presidential candidate. "We hope that (politician) will match our criteria, otherwise there will be problems," he said.

Akbar stressed Wiranto's running mate must be a popular choice and palatable to voters. Golkar's chances in winning the presidency would depend on his deputy's reputation, Akbar said.

Asked if he would be Wiranto's running mate, Akbar said Golkar would seek figures from other political parties.

"I won't accept the offer to be vice presidential candidate. My door is closed, so I'll have to open (someone else's)," he said, adding he would focus on his duties as party leader.

Akbar did not rule out a possible coalition with the Islamic- based Crescent Star Party (PBB), the Christian-oriented Prosperous Peace Party (PDS) or the Muslim-based National Awakening Party (PKB).

Fachry said Wiranto should forge a coalition with Abdurrahman Wahid to win the July 5 presidential election.

"Whoever the figure -- be it Alwi Shihab or Solahudin Wahid -- as long as he wins Gus Dur's approval, the candidacy will be powerful," he said.

Ade Komaruddin, an Akbar loyalist, said all Golkar members had to respect the result of the convention's vote.