Govt asked not to overreact on VP talks

JAKARTA (JP): House Speaker Wahono asked the government yesterday not to overreact to the increasingly open discussion on the country's future leadership.

After swearing in six new members of the People's Consultative Assembly, Wahono said government officials should handle all aspirations of the public with care, rather than just labeling them as opposition.

"An advanced nation is a big-hearted one, willing to accept criticism or strong reactions," Wahono said.

"Hence, there should be space for the public to debate the country's future leadership... We can expect brilliant thoughts to arise from discourse, and this will in turn benefit our present and future life," he added.

Wahono was commenting on growing discussion on who will be Indonesia's next vice president. Several names have emerged, mainly cabinet ministers and politicians.

Siti Hardiyanti Indra Rukmana, President Soeharto's eldest daughter, is among the recent names put forward.

Since J. Kristadi of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies recently called her a deserving candidate, Hardiyanti has received great support. She is now deputy chairwoman of the dominant Golkar.

Heavyweight nominees include State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie and Golkar chairman Harmoko.

The Chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), Ismail Hasan Metareum, has put his own name forward, but is an outsider. Ismail, who was later nominated by the PPP's Jakarta chapter, has since backed off.

Incumbent President Soeharto is likely to be unchallenged for another five-year term.

The 1,000-strong assembly will convene in March next year to deliberate the Broad Guidelines of State Policy and elect a president, who will appoint a vice president.

Wahono said there was nothing wrong with the public supporting vice presidential candidates, adding that it showed greater political participation.

"Such an attitude is part of the dynamic Pancasila democracy which guarantees openness without cause for suspicion," Wahono said.

He said the political climate was hotting up, thanks to the public's growing political awareness before the May 29 general election.

"The more educated people are, the stauncher are their demands for improved political rights and democracy," Wahono said.

The recent series of riots that rocked the country had resulted from the heating political climate, he said. "But the situation remains under the control of security authorities."

The legislators inducted yesterday were Jakarta military commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso, East Java Police Chief Maj. Gen. Soemarsono, East Timor military commander Col. Mahidin Simbolon, Col. Tonny Rompis, Col. Bambang A.S. and Brig Gen. (ret) Bandjela Paliudju.

They replaced Lt. Gen. Wiranto, Maj. Gen. Roesmanhadi, Col. Kiki Syahnakri, Col. Eliza Hehamahua, Abdul Azis Lamadjido and Brig. Gen. Haryono respectively.

During their short service, which will end on Sept. 30, the new legislators will represent their own provinces.

The assembly comprises 500 members of the House of Representatives, who are mostly elected in general elections, and 500 people who are chosen by the President to represent groups and regions. (amd)

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