Lists of candidates submitted

JAKARTA (JP): Golkar presented the names yesterday of its candidates who will run for next year's general election, a list that includes artists and ulemas; one which is usually more closely associated with the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), and the other with the United Development Party (PPP).

PPP and PDI are also fielding a number of well-known ulemas in another indication of the growing importance of Moslem votes.

In the lists, which were officially submitted to the General Election Institute yesterday, there was also an unusually large number of journalists fielded by all three contestants.

The lists were not made public because they are subject to approval by the authorities. The candidates will have to undergo screening, particularly to check if they had past links with the outlawed Indonesian communist movement.

But officials of Golkar, PPP and PDI were more than willing to discuss some of their candidates when they were approached by journalists after the ceremony to present the lists.

Golkar, which is aiming for a victory with the biggest landslide possible, has recruited Rano Karno, actor of the highly popular TV series Si Doel Anak Sekolah, and Rhoma Irama, the king of Dangdut music. Their presence in the Golkar pack is expected to further widen the group's appeal in the election, which is slated for May.

Golkar has also recruited Ali Yafie and Tuty Alawiyah, two Moslem leaders with strong followings, and senior journalists Ansel da Lopes from Kompas and Chris Kelana of RCTI.

"Besides well-known politicians and public figures, we are also fielding artists and journalists as candidates," Golkar chairman Harmoko told reporters.

"Every group -- from ulemas, intellectuals, educators, youths, women and professional people -- is represented in the list," he said.

PPP, traditionally the "ulemas' party", is also fielding some well-known ulemas, including Hasyim Latief, Latief Mochtar, Maemun Zubaer, Abdul Razak and Dimyati. It has recruited some intellectuals, such as Mochtar Aziz, Chausyah and Qomari Anwar.

Two journalists in the PPP pack are Usyamah Hisyam of Media Indonesia and Soelaiman Rasyid of Lampung Post.

The PDI list was presented by Soerjadi, chairman of the party elected at the Medan congress in June. His rival board, under Megawati Soekarnoputri, was not present at the ceremony, sparing the election officials from potential embarrassment.

Representatives from Megawati turned up later at the General Election Institute when the ceremony was over, but the list they brought was rejected.

Soerjadi, who disclosed that he only completed the list on Sunday night, said he tried to encompass every group and profession in selecting his field.

The four journalists he recruited are reporters whose daily beat is the House of Representatives: Elman Saragih of Media Indonesia, Burma Siahaan of Sinar Pagi, Primadji of Berita Yudha and Sulistyo of Wawasan. Soerjadi's list also boasts three well- known ulemas: Fadloli Muhir, Farouk and Abdul Cholik Murod.

Missing from Soerjadi's list are names of politicians closely associated with Megawati, including Kompas journalist Marcel Beding, Taufik Kiemas, Guruh Soekarnoputri, Sabam Sirait, Aberson Marle Sihaloho, Soetardjo Soerjogoeritno and Sukowaluyo.

Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M., in his capacity as chairman of the General Election Institute, underlined the importance of selecting candidates who understood the people's aspirations.

"Aspirations continue to develop, as evident in the continuing changes. Of course, we hope and endeavor that these changes are not revolutionary," he said.

Golkar and PPP presented lists of 850, twice the number of House of Representatives seats being contested at the election and also the maximum number allowed by the authorities.

PDI handed a list of 903, reflecting Soerjadi's expectation that some of these names would be vetted out by the Central Inspection Committee, which screens all candidates.

Harmoko said all his candidates have undergone an internal investigation. "This is to make the committee's job easier. However, if the committee or other relevant bodies wish to reexamine them, who knows? There might be new findings. Then, the door is always open," he said.

Also present at the ceremony were government officials assigned to the election institute, including Minister of Defense and Security Gen. (ret.) Edi Sudradjat, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung, Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad, Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave and Minister of Home Affairs Yogie SM.

The screening begins today and will last until Oct. 31. (mds/emb)

Rejection -- Page 2

Conflict -- Page 3