Minister Yogie refuses to mediate in PDI rift

JAKARTA (JP): Home Affairs Minister Moch. Yogie S.M. refused to mediate yesterday in the conflict between top leaders of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI).

"Why should I intervene? Let them solve their dispute by themselves," Yogie told reporters, who asked if he was interested in helping Soerjadi and Megawati Soekarnoputri reconciliate.

Soerjadi snatched the PDI top slot from Megawati in a rebel congress in June that Yogie endorsed. Megawati clings to her claim she is still the party's legitimate leader.

Yogie maintains that the political rivalry will not disrupt next May's election as some people worry.

Soerjadi is unpopular in some regions -- enough that he has canceled trips to several towns in Java because of strong rejection by local Megawati loyalists.

Separately, Soerjadi said he would welcome any move by the Megawati camp to reconcile but stressed he would never offer concession in return.

"Jolly good. Our doors are wide open," he said in response to a question about possible reconciliation to strengthen PDI in the upcoming election.

Acknowledging he has been refused by PDI activists in several towns in Java, Soerjadi said he would never do the same to Megawati supporters.

"We mean to show our wish to reunite and develop the party together again," he said.

As for why he did not include Megawati and her supporters in the list of prospective House members, he said it was because no party official in the provinces nominated them.

Besides, he added, since she became a House member in 1992, Megawati has not done enough to defend the masses. "Have you ever heard her speak up in House sessions?" (pan)