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.