Ismail calls Bintang's new party idea futile

JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the United Development Party Ismail Hasan Metareum says he has nothing against Sri Bintang Pamungkas's plan to establish a new political party, but he reminded his former colleague of the futility of his endeavor.

"I don't have any problem with his plan, but as long as the law on politics is not changed, there's no way he can proceed," Ismail was quoted by Antara as saying in Bandar Lampung yesterday.

"Change the law first," he said. "The law only recognizes three parties, so unless the law is changed, nobody can establish a new party."

He was responding to reports that Bintang, who was sacked by the United Development Party (PPP) last year and was sentenced to 34 months in jail for defaming President Soeharto only last week, was making preparations to establish a new party.

Bintang recently told The Jakarta Post that he has been speaking to a number of groups, including some government critics, former student leaders and non-governmental organizations, about the plan's feasibility.

He said he is resolute in his decision.

Ismail was in Lampung to open a meeting at the local PPP chapter. He told reporters that many people are now suffering from a fear of politics because they have been intimidated by "certain people".

"Many people are even afraid of joining political parties because they are intimidated," he said. He declined to name the intimidators.

Only the PPP and the Indonesian Democratic Party are described as "political parties" while the ruling Golkar calls itself a "functional group".

He described how government officials even at the lower level, such as village chiefs, were instructed by their superiors to make note of any resident who shows support for certain political parties.

"We have to encourage people. They shouldn't be afraid, because joining political parties is legal," he said. (swe)