Megawati heeds Gus Dur's call on lawsuit

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)