Golkar's grass roots place their trust in Wiranto

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.