PDI leadership crisis in East Java over, Megawati says

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) chief Megawati Soekarnoputri resisted the government's pressure yesterday to retract her choice of Sutjipto to lead the East Java party chapter.

Instead, she declared that the party leadership crisis in East Java, one of PDI's strongest bases, was "over" and urged the government to recognize Sutjipto.

"I once more call on all parties concerned, including the government, to respect the (PDI) central executive board's decision," she told journalists.

Megawati reasserted her stand to have Sutjipto at the helm only two days after East Java Governor Basofi Sudirman apologized to her for meddling in the party's internal affairs.

The crisis was triggered by the party's difficulties in electing a new chapter chairman to replace Latief Pudjosakti, who had completed his five year term.

A regional party congress earlier this year elected Sutjipto, but the decision was put on hold after his rival, the government- backed Latief, found that the number of ballot papers totaled more than the number of eligible voters.

In subsequent developments, an electoral board formed by the chapter elected Latief, but Megawati rejected him. She stood behind Sutjipto, who is known to be one of her staunch supporters.

The government refused to recognize Sutjipto on the grounds that there were two chapter chairmen each claiming to be the legitimate one.

Although Governor Basofi has apologized for meddling in PDI's internal problems, the government has not made it clear whether it will recognize Sutjipto.

Contender

Megawati, the eldest daughter of Indonesia's first president Sukarno, said that she would not reverse her decision to choose Sutjipto as the new East Java PDI chapter for whatever reasons.

She said Latief, a contender in last year's party chairman election, who is one of Megawati's most ardent critics, had been warned and ordered to accept her decision.

As there has been no indication that the crisis will end, Latief still occupies the party's office in the East Java capital of Surabaya.

Megawati said she had asked all PDI leaders throughout the province to abide by her decision to have Sutjipto as their local boss.

Asked when she would swear in Sutjipto, Megawati said that inauguration was only a formality and could be done any time.

Late last month, Governor Basofi flexed his muscle by refusing to inaugurate Sutjipto, a move that took all the party members and guests by surprise. (pan)