No internal feud in PDI-P: Theo Syafe'i

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) deputy chairman Theo Syafe'i discounted talk of a rift in the party, and said the emergence of alternative candidates to Megawati Soekarnoputri for party chief was welcomed.

Speaking at a party seminar in Denpasar, Bali, on Sunday, Theo said there should be no obstacles for those who wanted to challenge Megawati's leadership.

"Based on the results of the 1998 party congress in Bali, the executive board wanted the emergence of more than one candidate (for the chairmanship), if not seven or nine at the next congress," Antara quoted him as saying.

He denied spreading rumors that Dimyati Hartono, the chairman of the PDI Perjuangan faction in the House of Representatives, and legislator Eros Jarot would be recalled from the House for their criticism of Megawati and their desire to challenge her reelection as party chairwoman.

"There will be no recall of Dimyati, Eros and others who wish to contend the (election) for the party's next chairperson," he said.

Dimyati has urged Megawati to turn down her renomination so she can focus on her tasks as Vice President. His comments sparked a harsh reaction from Megawati supporters.

The party is due to hold its congress in Semarang, Central Java, from March 26 to March 31. One of the main items on the agenda will be to elect the party chief.

Despite welcoming alternative candidates, Theo remarked that Megawati was expected to have a smooth reelection, with most party chapters already expressing their support for her.

Theo underlined the importance of a democratic election for the chairmanship, saying any party member was allowed to challenge Megawati for the top post.

He refused to ascribe the emergence of a growing number of Megawati critics as a sign of an internal feud. Nevertheless, he conceded there was a small faction of Megawati critics in the party, saying such criticism was always welcome as long as it was aimed at strengthening the party.

Meanwhile, Ida Bagus Putu Wesnawa, chairman of the party's chapter in Bali, underlined his chapter's support for Megawati.

"We support her due to her consistency in struggling for law enforcement, human rights and antiviolence," he said.

Separately, Gadjah Mada University political observer Cornelis Lay also dismissed speculation of a growing rift in PDI Perjuangan.

He contended that Dimyati's statement should be seen in the context of politically educating the party.

"There is neither a sign of a rift nor an effort to topple Megawati," Cornelius said in Yogyakarta on Saturday.

Referring to Megawati's tasks as both Vice President and party chief, Cornelius suggested the party congress establish an executive body of young talented members to handle the party's daily affairs.

"With this organizational modification, Megawati's reelection as party chairwoman would not disturb her tasks as Vice President," he said.

Mochtar Buchori, another PDI deputy chairman, said those who wished to challenge Megawati's reelection at the party congress merely wanted to ensure the election was contested fairly.

"I know Eros well, he is close to Mbak Mega (Megawati). He just wants to say (by stating his readiness to challenge Megawati) that the party's managerial matters need to be improved soon," he said.

Mochtar said that while Eros was critical, he was also a loyal Megawati supporter.

But reports of discord have increased in numerous regional branches and chapters of the party, which symbolized political opposition during the New Order regime.

In Lampung, Matt Al Amin Kraying, chairman of the PDI Perjuangan provincial chapter, urged the party leadership to dismiss secretary Abbas Hadisunyoto, who has formed a dissident faction with several PDI Perjuangan councilors.

He claims that Abbas has frequently made controversial statements since being removed from his post as chairman of the PDI Perjuangan faction in the provincial legislative council.

He did not elaborate on the so-called controversial statements, but said they were contrary to party policy.

Meanwhile in Semarang, PDI Perjuangan chapter chief Tugiran said he was willing to be held accountable for the chapter's decision not to support party candidate Soetjipto during the recent Semarang mayoral election.

Tugiran maintained that other political factions in the Semarang City Council were opposed to Soetjipto. He further said he had not received notice from the party's central board endorsing Soetjipto's nomination.

"Our faction had to give up and vote for Sukawi, a candidate nominated by other factions," he said of the candidate who eventually won the election.(44/rms)