Observer paints gloomy picture of PDI in East Java

Observer paints gloomy picture of PDI in East Java

SURABAYA (JP): A senior political observer doubts that the
appointment of Dimmy Haryanto as chairman of the Indonesian
Democratic Party's (PDI) East Java chapter will resolve the
party's leadership problems in the province.

Ramlan Surbakti of Airlangga University said Saturday that
Dimmy is barely known among local PDI activists and he questioned
the legality of his appointment.

"Dimmy's appointment went against the party's constitution. He
was named chapter chief without the endorsement of all party
branches in the regencies," he told The Jakarta Post.

The government on Sept. 5 recognized PDI chief Soerjadi's
choice of Dimmy as chair the East Java chapter, ending nearly
three years of internal squabbling.

Until Dimmy's appointment the top slot was claimed by
Soetjipto -- a loyalist of deposed PDI chief Megawati
Soekarnoputri -- and Latief Pudjosakti, who enjoyed the apparent
backing of the local government.

Dimmy was appointed by an selection committee consisting of
himself, Soerjadi and Latief Pudjosakti in a "consultation of
party branches", a forum unrecognized in the PDI's constitution.

Soerjadi, who was elected PDI chief in a government-sanctioned
rebel congress in Medan last June, argued that forums formed in
times of crisis are legal.

The appointment of Dimmy has received an enthusiastic response
from governor Basofi Sudirman, who has been widely accused of
meddling in the party branch's internal affairs.

Soetjipto, however, refuses to recognize Dimmy because he
still recognizes Megawati as the legitimate chairwoman of the
PDI.

Ramlan said that Dimmy's election was unconstitutional because
the selection committee did not involve any party activists from
the Megawati camp.

"It is difficult to imagine Dimmy being able to solve the
dragging conflict," Ramlan said.

Ramlan predicted that the appointment would mark a new phase
in the leadership conflict, as Dimmy is supported by Latief and
the government in one camp and Soetjipto, who retains mass strong
support, in the other.

"The new conflict will be more interesting to observe in the
run-up to the 1997 general election when Dimmy and Soetjipto
fight for popular support," Ramlan said.

He predicted that if Dimmy and Soetjipto fail to reconcile,
the PDI would have a poor showing in East Java because many party
activists will probably refuse to cast their ballots.

Separately, Soetjipto told the Post that Dimmy's election is
unconstitutional.

"I stick to my principle to reject the Medan congress and all
its results. The Thursday meeting (which elected Dimmy) had no
legal grounding whatsoever," he said. (15/pan)