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.