No need for apology, says Yogie S.M.

No need for apology, says Yogie S.M.

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. told
representatives of the United Development Party (PPP) that he
meant no offense when he called its chairman sakit (sick), and
therefore an apology was not forthcoming.

After meeting with PPP leaders, minus chairman Ismail Hasan
Metareum, Yogie told reporters that the chairman had not
expressly stated that he was offended by the remark.

"There's no need for an apology and reconciliation because I
never meant to insult him and Buya didn't feel insulted," Yogie
told journalists as he left his office yesterday afternoon.

Buya, which means a revered teacher, is the name by which
Ismail Hasan is often addressed.

Ismail Hasan was originally expected to take part in the
meeting between PPP members of the central executive board and
Yogie to inform and ask the minister to open PPP's national
workshop on Oct. 24 to 26. Instead, four members of the board --
Hamzah Haz, Ali Hardi Kiai Demak, Zein Badjeber and Mohammad
Buang -- turned up at Yogie's office.

Ali Hardi told reporters that the chairman had to suddenly
cancel his plan because of an urgent family matter out of town
that he had to tend to.

When asked about Ismail Hasan's absence, Yogie replied that
"it's all right for Buya not to attend".

Yogie drew fire from many PPP members and supporters when on
Monday he said that Ismail Hasan was "sick" when the PPP chairman
said that the minority parties were sidelined in the current
political system.

PPP members have since demanded that Yogie apologize for the
remark which they considered insulting.

Hamzah Haz told reporters after the meeting with Yogie
yesterday that both sides agreed that the matter was resolved
unless Ismail Hasan thought otherwise.

"The matter now is considered over. However, if it is still
considered an impediment, then the minister is willing to settle
the matter further," Hamzah said adding that Yogie would like to
meet personally meet with the PPP chairman.

Ali Hardi also said that the issue is actually not as
contentious as people think. "Their personal relationship is very
good," he said of Yogie and Ismail Hasan who actually live close
to each other at the Widya Chandra housing complex.

Unlike his controversial response on Monday, Yogie yesterday
was more conciliatory to the suggestion that the PPP and the
Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) had been sidelined by the
current political system, particularly in the regions.

He told reporters that he would look into the matter but
stressed that the government has never condoned such practices.

"Yes I will instruct them," he said when asked whether he
would order the regions not to sideline PPP and PDI.

"However, even without being instructed it is quite clear that
the political parties are not being sidelined," Yogie asserted.

To avoid similar misunderstandings in the future, Hamzah Haz
said he had asked Yogie to establish a hot line in his office so
political parties can immediately get in touch with the minister
should any problems arise.

According to Hamzah the minister approved the idea. (mds)