Megawati's congress set to open

By Imanuddin and M.M.I. Ahyani

DENPASAR (JP): Tens of thousands of Megawati Soekarnoputri loyalists continue to stream into Bali to lend support to a three-day congress of her faction of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), which she has promised will be secure and orderly.

Set to open on Thursday morning, the congress will welcome about 1,000 registered party officials from across the country. But the most striking images are being played out on the streets, where thousands of loyalists lacking congress accreditation have painted Denpasar red in their party color. On Wednesday night, supporters went on a noisy motorbike convoy in the provincial capital.

Megawati made two separate visits on Wednesday to the chief of Udayana Regional Military Command, Maj. Gen. Adam Damiri, and Bali Police chief Brig. Gen. Gunawan. In the meeting, Adam said, Megawati assured him she would do her part to maintain order during the congress.

About 2,000 police personnel plus 1,400 military personnel have been deployed to safeguard the event. The local chapter of Megawati's camp has recruited 1,000 supporters for security.

Megawati, the daughter of founding president Sukarno, is scheduled to deliver the opening address and formally start the congress.

It is customary for senior government officials to open Indonesian political organizations' congresses. President B.J. Habibie's administration, however, has retained the policy of his predecessor Soeharto by only recognizing the PDI camp currently led by Budi Hardjono.

From its opening, the congress' agenda is laden with several tough assignments. While it is almost assured that Megawati will stay at the camp's helm, debates will focus on whether she should be accorded the authority to establish the full lineup of the executive board.

Deputy chairman Mangara Siahaan said the decision would be made after a session on Thursday evening when all the chapters will give their reports.

"It's clear she will win, but the congress will still decide on the question of authority to establish the leadership lineup."

Chairman of the Jakarta chapter Roy B.B. Yanis recommended that Megawati be given the power to decide on the lineup in order to prevent the emergence of conflicts between competing interests.

Also at issue is a change in its name from PDI, a prerequisite before it can register with the Ministry of Home Affairs, formally separate itself from Budi's camp and become a party eligible for the general election planned for May next year.

Secretary-general Alexander Litaay conceded the question may be addressed in the congress. "We will leave it up to the PDI members."

Separately, Sabam Sirait, a member of the congress' steering committee, said the change in the party name would not be formally included on the congress agenda.

"It's up to the government whether they will recognize Megawati's PDI or not. But, I'm confident that the government will positively respond to the aspiration of the people who support Megawati," he told The Jakarta Post.

Also on Wednesday, Megawati conducted a final check on preparations. She inspected the Lapangan Kapten Japa field, the site of the congress' opening ceremony, which is located some three kilometers north of congress venue Grand Bali Beach Hotel. Thousands of onlookers chanted their support for her.

Chairman of the Bali chapter Ida Bagus Putu Wesnawa said all registered participants from 27 chapters and 311 branches had arrived.

Brazilian ambassador Jadile Ferreira, South African envoy B.S. Kubekha and Thai ambassador Shompand Kukilanon have confirmed their attendance. Twenty other foreign embassies will send staff members to the congress. U.S. ambassador Stapleton J. Roy has yet to confirm.

Separately, Sophan Sophiaan of the camp's research and development center said the organization would support the political agenda of President B.J. Habibie, including the planned special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in November and the general election next year.

"Although the legitimacy of Habibie's administration is still questionable, PDI under Megawati Soekarnoputri will be consistent in its campaign to make the political agenda a success," Sophan was quoted by Antara news agency as saying.

Sophan reiterated that Megawati's camp would contest the general election.

Regardless of the government's ambivalence, Sophan said Megawati's camp would continue with its programs.

"Despite the government's failure to recognize us, we have decided not to care any longer about the legitimacy (granted) by the government and to choose the legitimacy from the people," he said.

"With or without (recognition), we will join the election."