No need for new party: Soeharto

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto shot down yesterday the brewing demand for a new political party asked for to accommodate the wishes of those unhappy with the existing political organizations.

Indonesia does not need a new political party or functional group, President Soeharto said in a reception commemorating the 30th anniversary of the ruling Golkar functional grouping at the Jakarta Hilton Convention Center.

He said the current three political organizations, Golkar, the United Development Party (PPP) and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), were adequate.

"We have had unfortunate experiences with a multi-party system. It hampered political decision making," said Soeharto in the reception also attended by top government officials.

Speaking as the chairman of Golkar's board of patrons, he said that ever since the first development plan in 1969, Indonesia has had a need for a simpler political structure.

In the early 1970s, all the political forces agreed to restructure the system, simplifying the numerous parties into three political organizations as Indonesia has now.

The current system, he said, has made for political stability, crucial to the national development effort.

"Therefore, we need to continuously maintain, solidify and improve our political order. We don't want to add a new party or a new functional grouping," he said to the warm applause of those present.

Last night's celebration capped a three-day Golkar leadership meeting. The celebration, which took place at the Jakarta Hilton Convention Center, was also attended by heads of government institutions and members of diplomatic corps.

Over the past few months, Indonesia has witnessed lively debates on whether it needs to establish a new political party, an idea first put forward by disgruntled Moslem leaders following their failure to clinch the chairmanship of the Moslem-based United Development Party (PPP).

The 1985 law on political parties limits the number of political organizations allowed to participate in the general elections to three.

Soeharto said that what needs to be done is to "encourage Golkar and the other political parties to consolidate themselves so as to give a stronger voice to people's interests".

He told Golkar's leading members to strengthen the organization, correct mistakes, stop corruption and the waste of development resources.

"To meet future challenges, Golkar should improve itself. The strength and ability that Golkar already has developed should be used effectively," he said. "Obedience and discipline..should be strengthened. New cadres should be developed, trained..deployed and given responsibility."

Regarding Golkar's victory in general elections, which are held every five years, Soeharto said "we are happy because Golkar has won support from most of the people in every election."

"This is pride, but it is also a mandate and thus our responsibility to execute people's wishes and actualize their aspirations," he said.

In its political statement last night, Golkar defended the country's effort to maintain political stability, saying that it does not necessarily collide with the increasing quest for political openness and dynamism.

"Both are needed," the statement said.

The organization also stated that it intends to maintain the existing law on political parties.

Drawn up in the annual leadership meeting and read by a Golkar leader from South Sulawesi's provincial office, the political statement touched on various controversial and sensitive issues.

Some of the issues were land appropriation for development projects, Golkar's call for the establishment of anti-corruption acts and laws on small businesses and cooperatives. It also touched briefly on the controversial plan of the Ministry of Education to implement a five-day school week, suggesting that it be carried out "wisely."

Golkar chairman Harmoko, in one of his usual high-spirited speeches, declared that the organization's mission is beyond seeking victory in elections.

Instead, it wants to be successful in meeting three strategic yardsticks, the first of which is the solid existence of the state ideology Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.

"Golkar's stance on this issue is strong and clear," he said. "If there are people who seek to destroy national unity, we will crush them."

He also reiterated his pledge, made when appointed Golkar chairman last year, to help develop a strong and clean government. (swe)