Parties agree on MPR session
Parties agree on MPR session
JAKARTA (JP): In an unprecedented move, Indonesian Military
(TNI) chief Gen. Wiranto brought together on Tuesday leaders of
six major political parties to hammer out a commitment to ensure
the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)
runs smoothly.
The closed-door meeting was held at the Museum Perumusan
Naskah Proklamasi building in Central Jakarta. Sources said it
was initially to be held at the military-owned Wisma A. Yani, but
was moved to provide a more neutral location.
The six party leaders attending were Megawati Soekarnoputri of
the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan),
Akbar Tanjung of the Golkar Party, Matori Abdul Djalil of the
National Awakening Party (PKB), Hamzah Haz of the United
Development Party (PPP), Amien Rais of the National Mandate Party
(PAN) and Yusril Ihza Mahendra of the Crescent Star Party (PBB).
Also present was chairman of the Nadhlatul Ulama Muslim
organization Abdurrahman Wahid, influential Muslim intellectual
figure Nurcholish Madjid, former minister of trade Frans Seda and
University of Indonesia rector Asman Budi Santoso.
Nurcholish, who was appointed as the meeting's media
spokesman, said the participants had agreed that the Assembly's
General Session, due to begin on Friday, should proceed smoothly
and peacefully as a legitimate gateway for a new and democratic
Indonesia.
"Therefore, all actions aimed at foiling the General Session
by any side will be seen as a negation and, even, a betrayal of
the people's aspirations," he said.
Participants at the meeting said it was the first in a series
of gatherings between the military and political parties.
The meeting was held under the backdrop of mass protests here
against the controversial state security bill, which culminated
in clashes with security forces and claimed eight lives.
There are fears that the latest tragedy will spark more
demonstrations during the General Session.
Amien Rais said that in future meetings, student leaders would
be invited to take part.
"What we just had was a preliminary meeting. There may be
three or four more. And at the next meetings, student figures
could be invited," he said.
Nurcholish said party leaders expressed a commitment to avoid
misunderstandings and unhelpful criticisms of one another so that
problems arising during the General Session could be resolved
peacefully.
"We also agreed (not to intervene and) to let the General
Session discuss, formulate and decide peacefully what is best for
the nation in the next five years," Nurcholish said.
Amien said he was pleased that the big name party leaders had
agreed to participate at the meetings.
"We have a common perception and vision about the General
Session and we are all committed to making it a success... We
are also of the same opinion that there should be no use of force
in the decision-making process at the General Session."
Amien said what was important was that party leaders had
agreed not to mobilize their supporters to intervene during the
General Session.
"We will accept, without reservation, all decisions taken by
the General Session," he pledged.
When asked whether the issue of presidential candidates was
discussed at the meeting, Amien responded in the negative.
Wiranto hailed the meeting and admitted being surprised at the
strong commitment from the leaders.
"During the two-hour meeting, all participants presented their
vision on the MPR General Session and they shared the same
opinion.
"Of course, the meeting is not a solution for all problems,
but it is a strong foundation in facing the General Session and
any problems in the future," he said.
Yusril said he proposed the possibility of discussing power-
sharing options with the party leaders.
"But I didn't receive enough responses," he said. (rms/emf)