Megawati heeds Gus Dur's call on lawsuit

JAKARTA (JP): Deposed leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) Megawati Soekarnoputri, through one of her lawyers, R.O. Tambunan, welcomed yesterday the call for her to withdraw her lawsuit against the government.

"We are already trying to seek a peaceful settlement with the government," said Tambunan, referring to the call made by prominent Moslem leader Abdurrahman Wahid, who is also known to be a close friend of Megawati.

The lawsuit is against the minister of home affairs, the Armed Forces chief and the National Police chief for backing a rebel congress that deposed her and elected her foe Soerjadi.

Antara quoted Tambunan as saying that Megawati had not wanted to drag the government into her legal battle with Soerjadi in the first place.

"We decided to sue the government only so that our lawsuit meets legal requirements and would not be dropped before court sessions even proceeded," he said. "Now that the court sessions are underway, we're seeking a peaceful settlement with the government."

Abdurrahman, better known as Gus Dur, suggested Thursday that Megawati should withdraw her lawsuit against the government, saying the legal wrangling has developed into a never-ending confrontation that will not do her or the government any good.

The government also welcomed the call. Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman said yesterday that it was a good suggestion.

"If Gus Dur meant well, why not agree to it?" he told reporters. "I'd love to see this country united... no more wrangling. It's not positive for Indonesia."

Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. refused to comment. Instead he chided reporters for haranguing him about political matters.

"If it's good it's good, if it's poor it's poor," he said.

Director General for Sociopolitical Affairs Sutoyo NK, on behalf of Yogie, invited Gus Dur to proceed with his initiative.

"If that's what he wished to say, that's fine. We only want everything to proceed well," Sutoyo said. "A legal process has started. The government respects the legal institutions by, for instance, preparing ourselves by appointing legal representatives."

National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Nurfaizi did not make much comment either. "That's Gus Dur's business. For the National Police chief, there's no problem whatsoever. If he's sued, he's ready. If they want to withdraw the suit, fine. Or if they suggest a peaceful settlement, okay. Filing lawsuits is every citizen's right."

Tambunan rejected speculation that should Megawati drop the lawsuit, it would be out of fear of losing the case. "It's really because we want to put an end to the matter peacefully," he said.

If Megawati chose to drop the suit, he said, it would be because of her own goodwill.

Frans Seda, a former cabinet minister, reckoned that Gus Dur has a particular reason for making the appeal.

"I know Gus Dur possesses political intelligence and wisdom. He must have something on his mind that prompted him to go public with such a suggestion," added Seda.

Seda said he had not yet perused the media stories on Abdurrahman's statement and had yet to call him for more information about his suggestion.

"But I am sure Gus Dur has by no personal interest in the case but only a good intention to help his close friend, Megawati," noted Seda who is a former political leader and now a seasoned economic and political analyst

Seda observed that the ousting of Megawati from the PDI leadership turned out to have failed to solve the internal feud within the party. However, the problem within the PDI party should be settled once and for all for the sake of national stability and sound political development, Seda added. (14/vin/imn/swe)