Habibie not yet asked to open PDI congress

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie has not received a formal invitation to open a planned congress of the government- recognized Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) under Soerjadi, despite claims to the contrary from congress organizers.

"There is still no decision from the President because they (PDI leaders) have not sent an official letter," Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung said yesterday after attending a weekly cabinet meeting at the Bina Graha presidential office.

The secretary of the congress' steering committee, Andi Chairul Muis Manggabarani, on Tuesday said PDI would hold a five- day congress in Palu, Central Sulawesi, which would be opened by Habibie.

Soerjadi overthrew Megawati Soekarnoputri from the PDI chairmanship in a government-backed congress in 1996.

Megawati insists she is the legitimate PDI leader. She and her supporters have kept a vigilant fight, filing some 200 lawsuits challenging Soerjadi's legality.

Habibie's government, wary of the popular sentiment for Megawati, has not shown the kind of overt support for Soerjadi's camp as his predecessor Soeharto.

Akbar indicated yesterday that Habibie would thoroughly consider an official request to open the congress.

"In the context of this congress, I think input or recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs will become the consideration for the President," Akbar said.

Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid has maintained the PDI issue is an internal party matter and even suggested that the two PDI camps could compete separately in the coming general election.

Meanwhile in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi, Wirabuana Military chief Maj. Gen. Suaidi Marasabessy said he had yet to decide whether to issue a permit for the congress as the final decision would rest with Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto's decision.

"I dare not to grant a permit without the commander's approval," he said.

Separately yesterday, Maj. Gen. Koessuyudono, the National Police chief's assistant for intelligence and security affairs, said police had given the green light for Megawati to hold a leadership meeting today.

His presence at Bina Graha yesterday surprised journalists because he was not scheduled to meet the President.

Megawati is scheduled to chair a leadership meeting today in Depok. At least 100 participants are expected to attend the three-day meeting. (prb)