Megawati stays calm in face of East Java tension
Megawati stays calm in face of East Java tension
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) chief Megawati
Soekarnoputri brushed aside yesterday reports that the East Java
police were clamping down on the party's two contending local
chapters.
"It is hard for me to comment because I only know what has
been reported in the press. I have not received any official
word," she said on Saturday.
Speaking at a breaking of the fast gathering at her home in
Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, Megawati remarked that in absence of
any formal notification she will go on as usual.
The East Java police department announced on Thursday that it
was "freezing" the activities of the two contending PDI local
chapters there for conflicts which have divided the party for
more than a year.
The PDI chapter in East Java has been split into one camp
headed by Sutjipto, which supports Megawati's national
leadership, and another led by Latief Pudjosakti, a former
chapter chairman and a staunch opponent of Megawati.
Megawati's central executive board says there is no conflict
as Sutjipto was legitimately appointed as the chapter's
chairman.
The row has been complicated by mixed signals from the East
Java administration under Governor Basofi Sudirman, who has
recognized neither the leadership of Sutjipto nor Latief.
But, the provincial administration has blocked Megawati's
attempts to install Sutjipto by refusing to issue the necessary
gathering permit.
Media Indonesia reported on Saturday that because neither camp
has been recognized by the government the East Java police would
not issue permits for them to carry out their activities.
Basofi, however, has been criticized for openly favoring
Latief.
In Surabaya, East Java, Sutjipto on Saturday questioned
reports that his party's activities had been frozen in East Java.
"So far all is running smoothly. I certainly haven't received
any written notice," he said, pointing out that recent activity
has primarily been held at the branch level.
Sutjipto said that news of the police decision to not issue
permits could be based on speculation and hearsay.
"If they did and I received a notice, I would question its
legal basis," he contended.
Megawati also called on the government to give her an
opportunity to consolidate her branches throughout the country.
She asked that she be allowed to hold regional conferences to
reestablish branch leadership boards whose terms of office have
now expired. (mds/15)