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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