Megawati might reconcile given certain conditions

JAKARTA (JP): The deposed leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), Megawati Soekarnoputri, has insisted she would only be willing to reconcile with her ouster Soerjadi if she is reinstated.

She acknowledged joining force with her rival would be a sound strategy for the party and boost its popularity at the polls in May's general election.

"There are conditions, however, before I could decide to meet Soerjadi," she told The Jakarta Post Saturday. "I will do so only in my status as PDI chairwoman."

She also insisted she be fully informed of such a meeting's agenda before agreeing to it.

Political observers, many of whom have hoped for such a meeting for some time, suggested Megawati "forgive" Soerjadi and seek reconciliation.

The latest call came from former minister of home affairs Rudini, who asked the opposing factions to set aside differences and join hands to prepare the party for the election.

Megawati, however, said it would not be possible for her to meet Soerjadi unless she had the opportunity to address the questions of party structure -- now split into two camps -- and various violations committed by a group of party rebels last year.

"One thing is sure: I will reject the proposal for a meeting if it is meant to obtain my blessing for the congress in June last year," she said.

Megawati, who won the party's leadership in the 1993 extraordinary congress in Surabaya, was unseated by Soerjadi in a government-backed congress held in the North Sumatra capital of Medan in June last year.

Despite great pressure, Megawati has maintained she remains the party's lawful leader.

The congress itself drew ire from Megawati supporters who vowed they would remain loyal and retain hold of the party headquarters. On July 27, however, Soerjadi followers and troops forcibly took over the headquarters from the hands of Megawati loyalists.

Megawati supporters that day mingled with an angry mob and took to the Jakarta streets, going on a violent rampage. Five people died, 149 were wounded and 23 others are still reportedly missing as a result of the riot.

Megawati said the meeting, should one take place, must be held in a formal forum attended by party officials and members.

She also rejected the possibility of allowing a mediator to settle the dispute. "Receiving (a mediator) would put me in position that could be interpreted as recognizing the results of the Medan congress," she said. (imn)