Leaders pray for smooth MPR session

JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of major political parties and the military reached a consensus on Sunday to cooperate and work together for a peaceful and smooth General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), after the tense June 7 general election.

The consensus was made in an istighotsah (a mass prayer beseeching Allah's protection from harm), simultaneously organized by the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muslim organization here at the Senayan Sports Stadium in Central Jakarta, and at a field at the Brawijaya East Java Military Headquarters in Surabaya.

NU chairman Abdurrahman Wahid said in a speech before the prayer here that the presence of political and military leaders was evidence of their love for the country.

"We have to praise Allah the Almighty because we have just survived a relatively safe and fair general election," Abdurrahman, better known as Gus Dur, told some 100,000 assembled nahdliyyin (NU members) from Jakarta and neighboring towns of Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi.

Present at the gathering were Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung, United Development Party (PPP) chairman Hamzah Haz, National Awakening Party (PKB) chairman Matori Abdul Djalil, National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Amien Rais, Justice Party (PK) chairman Nur Mahmudi Ismail, Crescent Star Party (PBB) chairman Yusril Ihza Mahendra, and Justice and Unity Party (PKP) chairman Edi Sudrajat.

The military was represented by Deputy Commander Adm. Widodo A.S. and chief of Territorial Affairs Lt. Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

While seeking God's blessing for the nation, Abdurrahman also persuaded the mass gathering to pray for Morocco's King Hassan, who died on Saturday, and for former president Soeharto, who has been hospitalized for stroke therapy since last Tuesday.

The gathering solemnly responded to his first appeal, but the crowd spontaneously booed his second appeal to pray for Soeharto.

"I know most of you disagree with this (prayer), but it is our duty as Muslims," Abdurrahman said.

After the crowd became silent, he continued: "We hope that Soeharto will get well soon."

Succeeding Abdurrahman's speech, the political leaders each took turns to give a 5-minute speech.

PK chairman Nur Mahmudi said the gathering participants should learn two things from the prayer -- to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad's deeds and to ask protection and guidance from God.

Yusril Ihza Mahendra of the Crescent Star Party called for an end to political tension.

"There was heated tension between us... It is about time for us to ask each other's forgiveness," he said.

Hamzah Haz of PPP shared Yusril's opinion.

"While there are differences between the PPP and NU's PKB, it's time for all of us to ask for forgiveness," he said.

PKP chairman Edi Sudrajat emphasized that while last month's elections were a success, all elements of the nation now have to cooperate for the upcoming General Session of the MPR.

"Let's work hand-in-hand for a secure Indonesia," he said.

Meanwhile, Akbar Tandjung of Golkar called for the development of the spirit of unity among the Indonesian people.

"We must strengthen our commitment to national unity," he said.

Similarly, PAN chairman Amien Rais also stressed the importance of the nation's unity.

"How wonderful Indonesia will be, if all political powers could unite and work together," he said.

The similar gathering held by NU's East Java chapter also referred to the importance of national unity.

"The gathering is not intended for NU members only, but also for the rest of the nation," chairman of NU's East Java chapter, Hasyim Muzadi, said.

Present at the gathering in Surabaya were Indonesian Military Commander Gen. Wiranto, Fadel Mohammad of Golkar, East Java Military Commander Maj. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu and East Java Governor Imam Utomo Suparno.

With the success of bringing several rival politicians to sit together, Sunday's gathering could work to ease the political tension, mainly between the Muslim and Nationalist camps.

Though agreed as a precondition for a smooth MPR General Session, it is premature to say that Sunday's prayers would lead to a unanimous decision on the presidency, as the political leaders continued to praise each other as potential candidates.

"I support Mbak Mega (Megawati) for presidency," Abdurrahman said. "Vox populi, vox dei, the people's voice is God's voice... So, we must respect the people's desire."

Matori of PKB said he would follow Abdurrahman's suit.

"I'm a student of Gus Dur. I will also back Mbak Mega for president," he said.

Meanwhile, Amien renewed his support for Abdurrahman's presidential candidacy.

"Sukarno was from Muhammadiyah, Soeharto also had Muhammadiyah origins, while Habibie was from ICMI (Association of Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals)," he said. "I think it's time for an NU figure to become president."

Other elements in PAN, however, voiced different opinions on the presidential issue.

"But when it comes to choosing between incumbent President B.J. Habibie or Megawati, I think PAN's members will choose Habibie," PAN deputy chairman Dawam Raharjo said in Solo, Central Jakarta, on Sunday.

"Habibie has a greater chance because he has learned democratization, has guaranteed press freedom and started to settle corruption cases."

Meanwhile, PDI Perjuangan cadre Cahyo Kumolo believed that Megawati would survive the presidential election, despite the strong rivalry.

"It's common in democracy to have more than one candidate. But, it won't stop Megawati becoming the next president," he said.

He said PDI Perjuangan had formed political alliances with other parties to strengthen the party's campaign for the presidency. But he did not mention any names.

Support

Earlier on Saturday, Wiranto called on leaders of political parties not to mobilize people to "take part" in the MPR General Session, slated for November.

"It's the 700 MPR members who will elect the president. People should not be mobilized to get involved in the process," he said while addressing a meeting with ulemas in Jombang, East Java, on Saturday. (05/nur/har)