PDI-P pledges to train cadres for challenges ahead

SEMARANG (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) will intensify training and consolidation programs over the next three years to prepare for the 2004 general election, party activists said.

A member of the commission for organizational matters at the congress, F. Maizano, said all party chapters and branches would soon convene to elect new officials responsible for the implementation of the programs.

"Regional congresses are expected to elect personnel who are educated, professional and loyal to the party. Capable, professional and loyal cadres are much needed to repair the party's image," Maizano told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

"The new executive board will decide on formal requirements and criteria that have to be met by all cadres and local leaders."

He said that despite widespread criticism, the party would also maintain the party's nationalist-religious platform to accommodate the interests of its five founding groups.

The party was established in 1973 through the merger of the Indonesian Nationalist Party, Indonesian Christian Party, Catholic Party, Indonesian Independence Vanguard Party and Murba Party.

Maizano said many delegations wanted the party to acknowledge the 1945 Constitution and state ideology Pancasila as its platforms instead of nationalism, because the party's programs were intended to uphold the Constitution and the state ideology.

The now defunct law on sociopolitical organizations passed in 1985 required all organizations to register with the government and recognize Pancasila as their sole founding platform.

Training

Meanwhile, chairman of the commission on political issues and programs at the congress Adikara Kwertayasa said the party would hold a training program for all cadres in provinces, regencies, districts and subdistricts.

"This training program garnered serious attention in the congress because most party cadres in regencies and subdistricts are not well-educated. Management and leadership training will be provided for local officials while political education will be given to all cadres."

He said the training programs and political education would be provided in phases in the next three years because of the party's limited budget.

The congress also decided to push the government to quickly handle the plight of East Timorese refugees and enhance bilateral ties with East Timor and other countries, including the United States and Australia.

Chairman of the commission on political matters John Maiola said the party would encourage the government to take strict measures on separatist activities in Aceh and Irian Jaya.

Regarding domestic political matters, he said, the party would press the government to quickly cope with local conflicts and problems that could disrupt national stability and cause public disquiet.

The plenary session also accepted the accountability of the outgoing executive board, which was widely predicted before the formation of the commissions.

The uneventful session lasted about an hour. (rms/swa/har)