Medan congress a comedy of errors

Medan congress a comedy of errors

The controversial congress of the tiny Indonesian Democratic
Party in Medan last month continues to draw reactions. Political
scientist J. Soedjati Djiwandono comments on the political
episode.

JAKARTA (JP): The series of events surrounding the congress of
the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) held in Medan on June 20 to
June 22 appeared like a comedy of errors on the part of all
parties involved. There are too many to enumerate, but the most
serious are errors of judgment.

That there would be a reaction, not only from the Megawati
Soekarnoputri faction and its supporters, to the government's
action, and thus to the congress convened by the rebel leaders,
may well have been foreseen by the government.

What seems to have been unanticipated, however, is the
strength of that reaction and the support that Megawati's faction
continues to enjoy.

This is reflected in the continuous mass demonstrations held
not only in Jakarta, where the party's headquarters is situated
and being occupied by her supporters, but also in various towns
and cities across the country. They continue to protest the Medan
congress and the government's interference in the internal
affairs of the PDI.

On the other hand, it may be an illusion for Megawati and her
supporters to think at this stage that the almost nationwide
sympathy and support are for Megawati personally or for her
presidential candidacy. There is nothing wrong should that be the
case, as everyone in a democracy has a right to that ambition.

More significantly, Megawati has become a symbol of and a
rallying point for the increasing demand for change, reform,
greater freedom and democracy. The regime should not fail to see
this. It also should not fail to read the signs of the time and
act accordingly so as to avoid damage to the nation.

Since Megawati joined the PDI, the party gained votes in the
last two general elections. Given a fair election and with
Megawati as general chairwoman, the party, particularly Megawati
under the shadow of late legendary President Sukarno, could pose
a serious challenge to the ruling Golkar grouping in the 1997
general election.

But while this might reflect the decreasing popularity of
Golkar and the New Order regime, it does not necessarily mean
that the PDI would win a single majority or become an alternative
to Golkar and the present regime.

If Golkar comes away with a majority, the PDI under Megawati
could still stand in the way of Golkar's nomination and the
election of its candidate for president by unanimous vote. This
would hardly be tolerable for a regime accustomed to "unanimous"
support. Such a challenge may be faced by Golkar and the present
regime in the event of either abstention or a negative PDI vote
for the presidential nomination and election of a president at
the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in 1998.

It is not inconceivable that Megawati herself could run or be
nominated by her party for president, no matter how small her
chances of winning. But, apart from personalities, would not such
a development be good for the future of Indonesian democracy?

Thus far President Soeharto has not granted an audience to the
party's new executive board under Soerjadi. This is normally
regarded as a final seal of official approval and recognition,
though the President has said that he will do so only after the
party is "consolidated". It is still not clear what is really
meant.

What seems like the government backing down may be a sign of
wisdom, and what took place in Medan might have been a futile
attempt and complete waste of time and resources. But experience
is the best teacher, after all.

The writer is member of the Board of Directors at the Center
for Strategic and International Studies, Jakarta.