Govt stand in PDI row

As I follow closely all the sad developments of the PDI (Indonesian Democratic Party) row, I am happy that our government has maintained a consistent stand.

Putting aside the question of whether the government is right or wrong, we know at least what is, according to the government, legal and what is illegal. The presence of a government minister and the Armed Forces Chief at the PDI congress in Medan, North Sumatra recently, where they both delivered speeches, clearly indicates tacit government approval of the congress. The congress was considered legal because it was in compliance with the party's constitution. As a consequence all decisions made by this congress are legal, including the election of a new chief.

The situation at present is that we have a new chief i.e. Soeryadi, and an ex-chief Megawati. This is the legal situation. As is usually the case the law and constitution of a party can be interpreted in different ways. Megawati still clings to the position as chief of PDI and Soeryadi claims that from now on he is the legal PDI chief and has been recognized as such by the government.

According to the Armed Forces Chief, who of course speaks on behalf of the government, the planned congress by Megawati's group has no legal basis and thus will not get government permission. This is in line with government policy.

However, I was surprised when I read in the newspapers of June 26, 1996 about the statement of the Armed Forces Chief, that he would not help Soerjadi (the new legal PDI chief) oust the illegal chief Megawati from the premises of the PDI headquarters. Gen. Feisal Tanjung said that this is an internal affair of the PDI.

Why this sudden change of attitude? This is not an internal matter anymore, The PDI problem is a national problem, and the government has made it clear where it stands.

If I am not mistaken, these premises are given to be used as headquarters by the legal leadership of a political party. If I, as a private citizen, report to the proper authorities that my neighbor, without any legal right, has occupied my house, the government has the responsibility to act on this and not say that this is an internal matter between neighbors.

I admire the government for its courage in taking a consistent stand in the PDI conflict, and I hope this consistency will not change.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta