Mudrick: Megawati-PPP alliance broker

Mudrick: Megawati-PPP alliance broker

By Tedi Novan

YOGYAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the United Development Party
(PPP) Surakarta branch, Mudrick Setiawan Malkan Sangidoe, shot to
nationwide fame recently by brokering the party's alliance with
members of the split Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI).

He persuaded thousands of people loyal to the PDI's ousted
chief, Megawati Soekarnoputri, to "channel their votes" through
the PPP. He then visited Megawati in Jakarta and gained her
"blessing" for the move.

Immediately afterwards, convoys of PPP supporters mingled with
Megawati loyalists bearing posters and banners inscribed with
"Mega-bintang." Mega is a nickname for Megawati and bintang
(star) is the PPP's symbol.

Mudrick had established his reputation as a political mover
and shaker when he launched the "whitenization" drive for his
supporters to paint white all public property that had been
painted Golkar-yellow for the election by the local
administration.

The 53-year-old politician is no stranger to Megawati. His
wife is a niece of the late Surindro Supjarso, Megawati's first
husband. Mudrick is reportedly on good terms with Megawati's
family.

Mudrick talked to The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

Question: What do you hope to achieve through your
maneuvering?

Answer: I love the PPP, and I want it to serve its mission...
namely fighting for the people, for democratization and justice.
(Otherwise) how could a legislator serve as the people's
representative?

Being a legislator is a political post. It's not really a job.
There are people who say that being a legislator means having
plenty of money. I don't want PPP legislators to be like that.

PPP legislators who don't fight for people's aspirations
should be dismissed. We can all see how enthusiastic people have
been in their support for PPP. How could I face them if, after
getting their votes, our legislators became passive and silent?

Remember there are people who sacrifice much, even their
lives, in order to support their representatives.

Q: But there are constraints for outspoken legislators.

A: What constraints? Joining a party means that you have to fight
for people's interests. I'm from PPP, but I should also fight for
the public generally. This is a principle of mine. If you're not
going to fight for the people, don't say this is a party, call it
a gang instead.

Q: Have Megawati loyalists in Surakarta really joined the PPP?

A: When we launched "whitenization," we were protesting the
injustices and the power holders' arbitrary actions. The next
day, groups of (PDI members) declared their intention to join
PPP.

Megawati supporters are people whose's political rights have
been curtailed. They said that if Megawati was reinstated, they
would return to the PDI. I said welcome. What's important is that
we have good relations. This is how the stance of a true democrat
should be.

Q: What's the target of the PPP Surakarta branch?

A: At the least, we want a different election process (for mayor
in Surakarta). In Pekalongan, PPP won (in the 1992 election) but
our members could not even be the chairman of the local
legislative council.

If we win in this town, that means the people want us.

Q: Do you think the general election is really a fiesta of
democracy?

A: It should be like that. I'm now concentrating my energy on
winning as many votes as possible. I am aiming for a 50 percent
increase. If the PPP seats in the legislative council (only)
increase by six, I'll shave my head bald.

If the next PPP legislators are really of good quality, think
of the change that could emerge in this town.

The current PPP central executive board is also good. This is
the first time that PPP leaders have left the issue of
presidential and vice presidential nominations to lower levels.
This is progress.

Q: Why don't you want to be a legislator?

A: I don't need (House of Representatives) seats. I have plenty
of chairs at home. Besides, by not becoming a legislator, I can
effectively and optimally work as a party leader.

Q: What do you think of the ban on 'Mega-bintang'?

A: The ban reflects an undue fear (on the part of the
government). They're afraid (that Golkar would) lose the
competition with Mega-bintang. But it's okay if it's banned. Its
supporters will take note of this ban in their hearts.

Q: What do you think of the current political system?

A: PDI and PPP are two parties that have been sidelined... (by
the alliance between PDI and PPP) we want to see an increase in
PPP votes. This is what any party would want.

But what's important is that we want reform. Arrogance,
corruption and collusion should be abolished because they make
people suffer. What I really want is simple: I want to see people
become more prosperous, and that justice is felt by everybody.

Q: What was the response from Moslem communities when you decided
to embrace Megawati loyalists?

A: Their response has been positive. "Whitenization" is seen as a
fight against injustice and arbitrary power. Everybody felt like
they were being represented, including Megawati loyalists.