Mega says no to presidential debate
Mega says no to presidential debate
JAKARTA (JP): Popular politician Megawati Soekarnoputri has
turned down an invitation to participate in a presidential
debate, saying the event was a breach of oriental culture.
The chief and presidential candidate of the Indonesian
Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) also cited the lack
of a law that regulated such a debate, according to student
organizers of the April 27 event.
Her deputy, Haryanto Taslam, was reported by Antara as telling
chief organizer Agus Haryadi of Forum Salemba "the event is not
in line with oriental culture and because there is no law
regulating such a debate".
Five other presidential hopefuls have confirmed their
participation in the debate, which will cover issues of politics,
economics, security and defense.
They are Amien Rais of the National Mandate Party (PAN),
Yusril Ihza Mahendra of the Crescent Star Party (PBB), Didin
Hafidhuddin of the Justice Party (PK), Sri Bintang Pamungkas of
the Indonesian Democratic Union Party (PUDI) and Budiman
Sudjatmiko of the Democratic People's Party (PRD).
Budiman is still in jail for subversive activities during New
Order regime, and it was not clear how he would take part in the
debate.
Agus was quoted by Antara as saying he was hoping that
Megawati would eventually relent and take part. "We are still
trying to meet with Megawati in person," he said.
Amien Rais was among a few who have repeatedly called for a
debate among presidential hopefuls, in order to educate the
public about their capabilities.
Several other potentially strong political parties, namely
Golkar, the National Awakening Party and the United Development
Party, have yet to name their presidential candidates and have
not confirmed their participation in the debate.
The debate, titled "Revealing the Vision and Mission of
Indonesia's Presidential Candidates", is expected to be attended
by student representatives throughout the country and by
community figures.
The debate is meant to serve as public political education.
Participants are expected to set examples to their constituents
on how to manage differences.
Forum Salemba is a student organization which enjoys wide
support of University of Indonesia students and other university
students. (01)