MPR factions make final preparations

JAKARTA (JP): A flurry of activity on Monday marked the eve of the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) -- some schools were closed and office workers sent home early for fear of unrest, while pressure groups made last minute attempts to influence the event.

Thousands of students tried to deliver their demands to the legislature, but were prevented from getting near to the MPR/House of Representatives (DPR) compound by a security force numbering in the thousands.

Inside the compound, factions prepared their views on a number of issues, including the 12 draft decrees which will be deliberated in the session. The legislators also met a few delegations that made it into the building to deliver their petitions on issues such as the military's representation in the legislative bodies.

Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto led the military faction's "dress rehearsal", and later called on the public to assist efforts to allow the session to proceed safely and successfully.

"Let us build a common vision ... that if the session is safe and successful, national and international confidence in the nation will grow," he was quoted by Antara as saying after the event. "Then, there will be many things that we can achieve to overcome the crisis."

"The session is the main gate toward democratization and will ensure that Indonesia proceeds down the correct path to reform," he said, adding that a return of confidence would mean increased cooperation with other countries.

"The session will discuss a political agenda that holds the key to the fate of this nation ... its success, however, does not depend on ABRI alone," he said. "How could ABRI safeguard the session if there are parties seeking to disrupt it or even prevent it from taking place?"

Separately, National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Roesmanhadi issued a written media statement apologizing to the public for all discomfort and mistakes committed by the police in their effort to secure the event. He also called all parties to allow "small traders and children" their rights to work and to play.

"Let the common people smile while waiting good results from the Special Session," he said.

The Special Session opens at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. One thousand members, President B.J. Habibie and a number of Cabinet ministers will be present.

Following the opening ceremony, the members will be divided into commissions to discuss the 12 draft decrees.

Fadel Muhammad of the dominant Golkar said his faction had made adequate preparations for the four-day meeting. "We have even divided our members into commissions that will discuss the draft decrees," said Fadel, a businessman who will lead his faction in the commission discussing regional autonomy and economic democracy.

The United Development Party (PPP) faction vowed to fight all out for many crucial issues, including an end to the Armed Forces representation in the legislative bodies.

PPP faction secretary Endin A.J. Sofihara said his faction would also fight to bring Soeharto to stand trial for allegedly amassing a fortune for himself, his family and his cronies through illegal means throughout the duration of his 32-years in office. The faction will also fight to lift the stipulation that all organizations must adopt Pancasila as their basic ideology.

He said the campaign to bring Soeharto to trial and investigate his wealth was in line with people's demands, including those voiced during the recent Indonesian Moslems Congress.

"If the other factions refuse to discuss these sensitive issues, we will walk out of the session," he threatened.

Separately, Moslem leader Abdurrahman Wahid suggested a gradual phase-out of the military's presence in the legislative bodies, suggesting two electoral cycles as the ideal period.

"Sometimes, if we wish to be leaders, such a stance needs to be taken, despite the risk that people will not like it," he said in a written statement delivered to a gathering at Asshiddiqiyah Islamic boarding school in West Jakarta.

"ABRI's dual role cannot be brought to an end within one or two weeks," he added. "This (position that neglects) common sense must be prevented."

Megawati Soekarnoputri of the Indonesian Democratic Party (Perjuangan) -- who was expected to meet with National Mandate Party (PAN) leader Amien Rais at Abdurrahman's house -- instead went to the meeting at the Islamic boarding school.

PPP chairman Ismail Hasan Metareum said the Special Session must not delay in deciding upon the best role for ABRI to play, given its importance in guaranteeing national security.

"We respect ABRI and want to prevent it from being criticized by the public, that's why the session must think of the best place for ABRI," he said as quoted by Antara. (rms/edt/swe)