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)