PDI-P pledges to train cadres for challenges ahead

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)