Mega still says no to presidential debate

JAKARTA (JP): Popular politician Megawati Soekarnoputri reiterated on Thursday her refusal to take part in a presidential debate because she was afraid the event would turn into a mindless argument, a party official said.

The chief and presidential candidate of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) was quoted by the party's secretary-general Alex Litaay as saying that Indonesia is run on a political system where debates do not determine the favorability of a presidential candidate.

"Such debates have no effect on who will become the next president. Our system is different from that in United States. We use representation democracy here," Alex told the media after a meeting between three proreform parties in Jakarta on Thursday.

Alex revealed a number of reasons that Megawati cited to defend her nonparticipation in the debate, planned for April 27, that will feature rival politicians including Amien Rais and Yusril Ihza Mahendra.

"Such a debate, with limited time and audience, for us, is not effective ... it is likely such a debate would grow into an ugly, senseless discussion ... So why waste time doing it?" Alex said.

He reiterated that each party had its own strategies to win people's support for its presidential candidate. Megawati's refusal, he insisted, would not lessen the party's popularity or harm its image.

Asked whether Megawati's refusal was out of fear of facing Amien in the debate, Alex replied: "No, no. If some people think that Megawati is afraid of the challenge, let them."

Amien Rais, chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), is among a few who have repeatedly called for a debate among presidential hopefuls, in order to educate the public about their capabilities.

"There is no guarantee that a dashing orator in a debate would be a good president, because it all depends on the Cabinet and the formation of the legislative bodies, too," Alex noted.

"This nation needs a strong, tested leader with continuous commitment to democracy and justice. Megawati has shown she possesses this quality," he said.

"Our party has consistently fought for (democracy) ... the most important thing is work, not talk only," he said.

"It's not true (that Megawati is unable to articulate her ideas). Her opinions and thoughts are very deep. And everywhere she goes, people's support for her is tremendous."

Besides Amien and Yusril of the Crescent Star Party (PBB), other presidential hopefuls to take part in the debate are 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).

The organizer, Forum Salemba, is working on a permit from the Ministry of Justice for Budiman to leave Cipinang Penitentiary in East Jakarta, where he is incarcerated for subversive activities during Soeharto's New Order regime, long enough to take part in the debate.

Meanwhile, Minister of Justice Muladi said separately the government would grant amnesty to Budiman and other political prisoners. But he warned the government, not the prisoners, would set the condition for the release planned to be carried out before August.

The minister pointed out the amnesty covered also Acehnese separatist rebels.

"Budiman may make demands, but it is the government that will make the final decision," Muladi said after meeting with President B.J. Habibie at the Merdeka Palace.

Muladi has turned down Budiman's demand to be freed as a part of general amnesty to all political prisoners saying the government has never practiced such legal step. Habibie, however promised to grant general amnesty to Acehnese prisoners and rebels.

Muladi also indicated that Budiman would not have a chance to be nominated as his party's candidate for the parliament in the next general election.

"When he is still in jail he can not be nominated," said Muladi.

Separately, Antara quoted A.M. Saefuddin, a leader of the United Development Party (PPP), as saying he was standing by his earlier rejection of the nomination of a woman for president.

"Some say a woman cannot be nominated for president, while others consider it permissible. I am of the first view," Saefuddin, also a minister of food and horticulture, said. (edt/prb)