ICMI hands membership form to Hartono

ICMI hands membership form to Hartono

JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Moslem
Intellectuals (ICMI) delivered an application form to Minister of
Information R. Hartono yesterday amidst growing speculation that
membership in the association would bolster his chances of
becoming a leading vice presidential candidate.

ICMI secretary-general Adi Sasono went to Hartono's office
yesterday to personally hand over a membership application form
and books on the association's activities.

Speaking to reporters after the hour-long meeting with
Hartono, Adi said his visit was merely to respond to Hartono's
expressed wish to join ICMI.

"We (ICMI executive board members) discussed Hartono's desire
to join last Wednesday," he said, adding that he expects the
application to be returned within a week.

Yesterday's meeting came just days after President Soeharto
gave a green light for Hartono to join the association.

ICMI chairman, State Minister of Research and Technology B.J.
Habibie, after meeting with President Soeharto on Tuesday, said
the President gave his approval for Hartono's membership.

As a cabinet minister, Hartono requires presidential approval
before joining an organization. Soeharto is a patron of the
association, which was established in 1990.

Vice president

Separately, political observers said yesterday that Hartono's
membership in ICMI would significantly boost his chances as a
vice presidential candidate.

Riswandha Imawan, of Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta,
said Hartono's membership would garner support from two of four
segments of society needed to win the vice presidency.

"By joining ICMI, Hartono has the opportunity to amass support
from intellectuals and ulemas all at once," he said.

According to Riswandha, a candidate would need the support of
intellectual groups, religious leaders (ulemas), the business
community and the Armed Forces.

"Up to now, support from the military does not seem to be a
problem for Hartono, so he only needs support from the business
community," the political science lecturer said. "Hartono will
probably be able to gain that support as well."

Analysts have tipped Hartono as a front-runner to fill the
vice presidency when the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)
makes its selection for the top two executive posts next year.

Hartono himself denied that his desire to join ICMI was
politically motivated.

Hartono maintains that he has long been an admirer of ICMI and
was only able to apply after he retired from active military
service.

Political scientist Kahar Badjuri of Diponegoro University in
Semarang said it should not be a surprise if Hartono wants to
join since he fits the profile of ICMI members.

He pointed out that Hartono has the experience, skills and
Islamic background befitting an ICMI member.

When asked whether he thought Hartono was joining ICMI to gain
support for the vice presidency, Kahar replied that if Hartono
was, it would be perfectly acceptable for him to do so.

But Kahar said the selection of the vice president would be
the prerogative of MPR, with the consent of the elected
president, and not ICMI's decision.

While Hartono's admission into ICMI looks definite, there are
still questions on the role he will play.

Adi Sasono, after meeting with Hartono here yesterday, said
ICMI would soon discuss his role.

Asked what the association expects from Hartono, Adi said he
hopes Hartono can help ICMI in its work to improve the
performance and quality of Indonesia's human resources.

Adi said a high educational standard and skills are not
prerequisites for membership. "The most important thing is that
the person cares very much for the poor and has a strong
commitment to the country and its people," he said.

Adi denied speculation that Hartono's entry into ICMI would
increase ICMI's political bargaining power, saying that ICMI is
not a political organization and has never promised its members
political status or positions. (imn/har/mds)

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