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)