No need for new party: Soeharto

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)