Golkar's rule upholds Soeharto's supremacy

Golkar's rule upholds Soeharto's supremacy

JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto will continue to be
firmly in control of Golkar until the dominant political
organization changes its statues.

Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tanjung said yesterday that the
powers granted to Golkar's patron board, which is chaired by
Soeharto, will remain in place at least until the extraordinary
congress next month.

"These powers may be changed. Maybe these powers will be
removed. Given the spirit of reform, there will be changes in
Golkar and its organizational structure," said Akbar, who, like
most members of the cabinet is a Golkar functionary.

Soeharto's position as chief patron gives him vetoing power
over any decision made by the central executive board.

Akbar confirmed that President B.J. Habibie, in his capacity
as coordinator of Golkar's patrons board, met with members of
Golkar's central executive board Sunday night.

The meeting, which reviewed preparations for the congress, was
attended by representatives of the Armed Forces and the
bureaucracy, both regarded as branches of Golkar's big family.

Soeharto was not present at the meeting held at the patrons
board office on Jl. Teuku Umar, Central Jakarta, nor were his
daughter Siti Hardijanti Rukmana or son Bambang Trihatmodjo, both
of whom are members of Golkar's executive board.

Speculation has been brewing recently that Soeharto is trying
to make a political comeback through Golkar. The rumors
strengthened last week when it became clear that Hardijanti and
Bambang were taking an active part in preparing for the congress.

The Armed Forces however has vowed to fight to prevent "old
political forces" making a comeback.

There have been reports that Golkar's executive board is
split, with one camp led by current chairman Harmoko looking to
distance Golkar from Soeharto, and the other led by secretary-
general Ary Mardjono, who is said to represent the "Cendana
Group" after the street where Soeharto resides.

Akbar denied the division existed. He said there were simply
differences of opinions, as would be found in any organization.

"There is no such thing as a Cendana Group. The term was not
mentioned at the meeting," he said.

Of the meeting with Habibie, Akbar said the patrons had an
interest in ensuring the success of the Golkar congress.

"Of course the board of patrons hopes that everything will go
smoothly and that the congress arrives at decisions useful for
the organization's future.

"In this era of reform, Golkar must reform itself to face the
future," he said.

Habibie also gave some pointers for the Golkar executive
board:

* Maintain unity while observing the people's demands for
reform;

* Strengthen the confidence of the organization's cadres;

* Preserve and improve Golkar's infrastructure and facilities
built up over the 34 years of its existence;

* Draw up new statues and in-house rules to reflect the reform
spirit;

* Draw up a new five-year working program

* Elect a new leadership board.

Golkar has won every general election held under Soeharto. It
also dominates the House of Representatives and the People's
Consultative Assembly. (prb/emb)