Megawati's vote directives hailed

JAKARTA (JP): The government welcomed yesterday a statement by ousted leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) Megawati Soekarnoputri that she and her supporters will not take part in the election campaign.

Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman said after a ministerial meeting on security affairs that the government "has no prejudice about Megawati's statement", issued Wednesday.

"We must take a positive way of thinking, although she (Megawati) may have a hidden interest with her statement," Soesilo said. He did not elaborate.

Minister of Defense Edi Sudrajat, who attended the meeting, praised Megawati for helping the government set up "a conducive climate for the nation's preparations for the election".

"Political figures are obliged to make statements which soothe people's temper," Edi said.

Megawati asked her supporters in a directive obtained by The Jakarta Post Wednesday not to take part in the election campaign on behalf of the PDI, but work together to make the election democratic and constitutional.

She said the PDI under her leadership is keen to avoid violence caused by provocation by certain people, which could in turn be used to discredit PDI members and supporters.

The nationwide election campaign kicks off Sunday and will wind up on May 23. The PDI, Golkar and the United Development Party (PPP) will contest the May 29 election.

Security authorities have expressed concern over potential disturbances incited by Megawati supporters during the election campaign, following a massive rally they staged at the House of Representatives two weeks ago.

Armed Forces Chief of Sociopolitical Affairs Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid has guaranteed protection of Soerjadi's campaigns. But Soesilo said the government would not render exclusive security measures for any political party.

Megawati, the eldest daughter of Indonesia's founding president the late Sukarno, reiterated her legitimacy to stand in the election and labeled the government-backed PDI under Soerjadi illegal and unconstitutional.

Soerjadi was reinstated as the PDI chairman in place of Megawati after a breakaway congress in Medan, North Sumatra last year.

The government turned down Megawati's list of legislature candidates in September and, instead, accepted that of Soerjadi which excluded Megawati and her loyalists.

Soerjadi

Soerjadi played down Megawati's directive, saying his leadership does not care about what she and her supporters would do in days ahead of the election.

"I think it's not necessary for us to take their statement seriously, because we have never thought of them as having the right to stand in the election," Soerjadi said.

"It's all up to them whether they will exercise their rights to vote or not. They can even vote for the PPP or Golkar, and are also welcome to pledge allegiance to the PDI," he added.

Soerjadi denied he was seeking reconciliation with Megawati and her loyalists in order to boost the party's achievement in this year's election.

"We never rely on individuals but the party members as an organization in our efforts to get as many votes as possible," Soerjadi said.

He admitted the conflict that split the party was a headache. "But the problems we are facing now are less difficult than those in the 1987 election," he said.

Soerjadi made his election debut as the PDI chairman 10 years ago, leading the party to win 40 seats at the House of Representatives, 16 seats up from the 1982 election.

However, his efforts to mobilize support in various regions have often been marked with opposition from Megawati's supporters. (imn/amd)

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