Party threats

Party threats

From Koran Tempo

The Central Java regional board of the United Development Party (PPP) has threatened to dismiss members who fail to support Megawati Soekarnoputri and Hasyim Muzadi in the presidential runoff (Tempo Interaktif, Aug. 23).

Logically, if a party truly represented the people's aspirations, such a threat would be unnecessary because the party's stance would automatically be in accordance with the wishes of the grassroots.

What this threat indicates is that the regional board realizes the coalition it has formed does not have popular support, leading to the fear of insubordination within the party's ranks.

Tragically, most Indonesian people are still poor and uneducated, making them easy targets of intimidation, enticement and bribery. This fact enables corrupt and opportunistic parties to thrive and survive.

DWI RAHARJO Bandung