PDI-P, Golkar quarrel over anti-Wiranto rally
PDI-P, Golkar quarrel over anti-Wiranto rally
Ridwan Max Sijabat, Jakarta
The renewed rivalry between the Indonesian Democratic Party of
Struggle (PDI-P) and its old nemesis the Golkar Party has taken
on a new twist with Golkar leaders accusing PDI-P of funding a
negative campaign against its presidential candidate Gen. (ret)
Wiranto.
Golkar deputy chairman Slamet Effendy Yusuf said the party was
considering a lawsuit against PDI-P executive Jacob Nuwa Wea for
"plotting and funding" a student rally against Wiranto on May 12.
Nuwa Wea, who is also the Minister of Manpower and
Transmigration, denied the accusations and said he could explain
it all to Wiranto and Golkar.
"I will be glad to clarify it to Wiranto if Golkar wants me to
do so," he told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
The anti-Wiranto rally marked the May 12, 1998 shooting
incident which claimed four Trisakti University students who were
attending a demonstration against then president Soeharto at
their campus in Grogol, West Jakarta.
Nuwa Wea said he received guests nearly everyday from
different people, including students and PDI-P supporters "and it
is very often I provide them with financial support."
"They are my friends and they support our leadership and PDI-
P. Is it wrong if I give them financial aid to cover their
transportation expenses?" he said.
Slamet disclosed that he knew of a document about a meeting
hosted by Nuwa Wea at his official residence in the Widya Chandra
housing complex in South Jakarta on May 6 to plan the rally.
Representatives of 26 student groups attended and Nuwa Wea has
been accused of providing Rp 16 million (US$1,778) for each
group.
Nuwa Wea conceded that a group of students came to his
official residence on May 6, but said he did not know what
exactly their motive was.
"I received them and chatted with them for three to five
minutes and then I let them go and we did not discuss the anti-
Wiranto rally.
"I am a Mega Center member, but as a state official I know
what I can and can't do," he said, referring to his party's
campaign strategy team.
The Mega Center comprises state officials and experts who are
working to help President Megawati Soekarnoputri win the July 5
election.
Nuwa Wea also admitted giving some money to the students but
declined to mention the amount, saying only that he took it from
his monthly emergency fund. He reportedly receives Rp 100 million
for that fund.
PDI-P lost to Golkar in the recent legislative election.
Meanwhile, Ryaas Rasyid, a public administration expert,
suggested that President Megawati should not block any trial of
Nuwa Wea in connection with the Golkar allegation.
"The President should let him stand trial because his actions
are against public administration ethics," said Ryaas, also the
leader of the Nationhood Democratic Party that supports Wiranto's
bid for the presidency.