Guruh of PDI may jump ship to Kosgoro

JAKARTA (JP): The public appearance of choreographer Guruh Soekarnoputra with senior members of the ruling Golkar at the launch of his new album Thursday has caused quite a stir.

Speculations are growing that the brother of the ousted chief of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) Megawati Soekarnoputra, might be preparing to jump ship and abandon the small, conflict- plagued party.

News reports have stated that Guruh, a legislator at the House of Representatives Commission IX in charge of education and culture, is ready to ready to join Kosgoro, an influential cooperative affiliated with Golkar.

The launch of his album entitled NTXTC (No To Ecstasy) was attended by State Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Hayono Isman and Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Azwar Anas, both Kosgoro members.

Ali Masykur Muda, chairman of Kosgoro's youth wing, has claimed Guruh has already declared his intention of joining the organization.

Guruh dismissed speculations. I am not a member of Golkar and prefers to concentrate on arts and cultural activities, he said.

"I believe it is important to do something for arts and culture. I felt like I am being called upon to do something... to concentrate on our art and culture," Guruh told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

His position as a legislator has not allowed him to do more for the development of arts and culture in the country, he said.

"I intend to do more. And I will accept invitations from any group wanting to develop arts and culture," he said.

He said he was not preparing a statement about the speculations.

"I have helped Kosgoro with their activities since before becoming a House member," he said.

"Many of my friends are in Kosgoro now," Guruh said. Kosgoro founder, Mas Isman, was a friend of his father, he said.

Guruh and Megawati are the youngest son and eldest daughter of the country's founding father, the late president Sukarno.

New PDI chairman Soerjadi reportedly regrets that Guruh has left the party "improperly".

Guruh promised to carry out his duties as legislator until the end of his tenure in 1998.

"I have etiquette. I joined officially and I will leave formally too," Guruh said, adding that he has not been listed as a PDI candidate for another term.

His family had questioned him about the possibility of his joining Golkar, he said.

"I will consider all factors before I decide to join any other group," he said. (ste)