Internal feud in PDI

In the recent congresses of two organizations, the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin), a new phenomenon called "arus bawah" (grassroots channel) emerged.

Since then discussion of how the government has reacted to this phenomenon -- democratically or not -- has been topical.

In any organization, there are always people who are not satisfied with the leadership. Shall those people be spared, and the organization be kept wavering or not?

Because PDI is one of the three legitimate political organizations, it follows that it should be let to live and grow under the guidance of the New Order.

Without support, the unsatisfied elements inside an organization will not fare well. Isn't there any way to convince these elements to accept the result of the party's recent congress?

Indonesia has just hosted the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting. This signifies the leadership of President Soeharto in an international community.

We hope that this achievement will be accompanied by similar progress domestically, in this case, the local political life.

-- Kompas, Jakarta