Observers contemplate Habibie's new appoitnment

JAKARTA (JP): Observers are unable to agree on whether the appointment of State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie as coordinator of Golkar's board of patrons is any indication of his chances at the vice presidency.

Political observer Arbi Sanit sees this latest development as a "beneficial factor" if Habibie joins the race for the vice presidency and that his opportunities remain open.

"Habibie's newly appointed Golkar post is a strategic position, mainly for the construction of the next cabinet and the House of Representatives (DPR)," Arbi told The Jakarta Post by phone.

"The position of coordinator of the board of patrons is more important than the Golkar chairmanship," he said.

The secretary-general of the Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals, Adi Sasono, said on Saturday in Surabaya, East Java, that Habibie had been appointed coordinator of the Golkar board of patrons.

While there are no official candidates for the vice presidency, Habibie's name has been touted as a leading candidate along with incumbent Try Sutrisno, State Minister of Special Assignments Harmoko, State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono and Minister of Information R. Hartono.

Arbi said Habibie's appointment as coordinator of Golkar's board of patrons also dismissed speculation of his deteriorating relationship with President Soeharto.

"However, it would depend on Habibie himself whether he is willing to use his 'position' for his own benefit or not," he said.

"And I don't know whether Habibie will make use of his position or not," Arbi remarked.

Despite Arbi's optimism, political observer Suhardiman said Habibie's new position was no guarantee of an easy journey to the country's second top position.

"In practice, leading figures of the Golkar faction in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) are the ones who will play the most important and influential role during the presidential and vice presidential nomination and election," he said.

He said a coordinator did not have direct control over the Golkar's Assembly faction.

"It is the chairman of Golkar's board of patrons who has direct control over the Golkar faction in the Assembly," he said.

"Moreover, the decision on the next vice president will mainly rest on the elected president," he added.

The 1,000-strong MPR will be sworn in in October. Its members will meet in March next year to elect a president and a vice president and establish the five-year state guidelines. (imn)