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

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)