PDI-P takes initiative to bring party leaders together

PDI-P takes initiative to bring party leaders together

JAKARTA (JP): Major political parties have endorsed the
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle's (PDI Perjuangan) move
to convene a meeting of party leaders expected next week, which
party executives said could cement support for Vice President
Megawati Soekarnoputri through 2004.

PDI Perjuangan Deputy Secretary General Pramono Anung Wibowo
on Wednesday stressed that as host the party would not set a
specific agenda for the meeting, but talks on how Megawati could
safely lead the country till 2004 would be left open.

"Ibu Megawati will personally initiate the meeting and declare
it a party initiative.

"So far most party leaders have expressed their willingness to
attend. So it might happen next week," Pramono told The Jakarta
Post.

Pramono stressed that National Awakening Party (PKB) chairman
Matori Abdul Djalil, one of President Abdurrahman Wahid's most
ardent political allies, would be invited to the meeting.

Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung not only expressed
support for the meeting, but also said he would have no
objections if the talks included the possibility of a change in
the national leadership.

He noted that there was no doubt among any of the parties
about Megawati's ability to lead the nation should a transfer of
power occur.

"If the tendency of the discussion is the replacement of the
national leadership, I don't see it as a problem as nobody doubts
Megawati," Akbar remarked, while stressing that whatever the
eventual outcome of the political struggle it had to be in
accordance with the Constitution.

This new initiative by PDI Perjuangan comes on the heels of
the House of Representative's decision to issue a second
memorandum of censure against the President, bringing him closer
to possible impeachment hearings.

The move is the most brazen step yet taken by the party and
Megawati, who is usually more reserved in her political gestures.
This new development will no doubt add fuel to the talk of a
growing split between Megawati and Abdurrahman.

Such a rupture would be particularly significant given that
PDI Perjuangan holds the most seats in both the House and the
People's Consultative Assembly, where impeachment hearings
against the President would take place.

Akbar, whose party is the second-largest behind PDI
Perjuangan, did not hide his appreciation for PDI Perjuangan's
proposal on Wednesday, describing it as a noble initiative on the
part of Megawati to find a solution to the political stalemate.

"I appreciate that PDI Perjuangan is finally taking the
initiative to find a solution to the current political deadlock
and I will attend such a meeting," Akbar said.

The initiative and its enthusiastic reaction demonstrate the
growing power of PDI Perjuangan and Megawati, particularly
considering that a similar proposal by Abdurrahman a fortnight
ago met with little enthusiasm and failed to materialize.

United Development Party secretary-general Alimarwan Hanan
threw his weight behind the proposed gathering of party leaders
under the aegis of Megawati.

"It's necessary to have such a dialog and it should be
highlighted by possible steps to improve the condition of the
country," Alimarwan remarked.

National Mandate Party (PAN) secretary-general Hatta Radjasa
also said his party welcomed the initiative.

PKB chairman Matori Abdul Djalil indicated he would gladly
attend the meeting, saying it was important to open the lines of
communication between political parties and end the deadlock.

"Because the President comes from PKB we will only listen to
what other parties suggest at the meeting," Matori remarked.

The chairman of the Golkar Party faction in the House, Syamsul
Muarif, said: "The ball is now in the hands of PDI Perjuangan,
and other factions, including Golkar, will support it. PDI
Perjuangan should take the initiative on what further steps
should be taken to end the political deadlock." (dja/rms)