Observers blast Golkar's new bureaucrat lineup

JAKARTA (JP): Observers have blasted Golkar's huge executive lineup, saying it was comprised of people affiliated to the government and that it was too big thus making it too cumbersome to meet with the swift challenges of the future.

"Just look at the lineup, it is still government-oriented," social observer Mochtar Buchori told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Mochtar was referring to the executive lineup of 137 members which was announced by Golkar's new leader, Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung, late Saturday.

Four active ministers -- State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Agung Laksono, Minister of Manpower Fahmi Idris, State Minister of Housing and Settlement Theo L. Sambuaga and Minister of Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises Adi Sasono -- are among the 14 deputy chairpersons.

Agung, Abdul Gafur and Aulia Rahman who were deputies in the previous board were among those who retained their posts.

By comparison, the previous executive board under Harmoko had a "mere" 45 members.

Mochtar said that in general the lineup did not reflect the promised-reform spirit heralded by Golkar.

"They are parts of the Soeharto regime ... How come they're all now changing their 'attire' and calling themselves true reformists?" Mochtar chided.

Mochtar also criticized the huge lineup and believed it would be sluggish in anticipating the ever-changing sociopolitical environment.

"Is it realistic to draw up such a huge hierarchy amid the growing calls for an agile modern organization?" Mochtar asked, adding that a large lineup would make it difficult to make fast decisions.

After unveiling the lineup late Saturday night, Akbar said it was a consequence of political accommodation toward his rival nominee, former minister of defense and security Edi Sudradjat, and his supporters.

"We want to accommodate members who did not support us," Akbar said, referring to those who might have voted for Edi during Saturday's election.

Even one of Golkar's new deputy chairman said he was surprised at the size of the executive board.

"Such a huge amount of members in the lineup is uncommon in a political party ... Its management will be very complicated," Marzuki told the Post yesterday.

But what seems more surprising is that Marzuki, who is deputy chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights, only knew of his appointment from media reports.

Up to yesterday, Marzuki said, neither Akbar nor the four representatives from regional chapters who were charged with drafting the lineup had contacted him regarding the appointment.

Golkar figure and former minister of youth and sports Hayono Isman also expressed some surprise at the size of the executive board, but accepted it as a means of accommodation.

"You have to admit that it was a tight and tough race, so he (Akbar) had to take into account the wishes of Edi's camp (in selecting the board)," Hayono said Saturday night.

He further supported the view that "Edi's people" were placed on the second line of the board.

"Yes, it is interesting isn't it? We can't deny that many still want to see how Akbar does ... Personally I'd give him six months (to prove himself)," Hayono said, adding that during that time the new chairman must show his commitment to reform.

"If he fails, I'm afraid Golkar cadres with different perceptions than him would seek their own way," he remarked. (byg)