MPR factions make final preparations

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)