PDI Perjuangan not to run in West Java gubernatorial race

Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung

Megawati Soekarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) has sprung a surprise by dropping out of the race for West Java's gubernatorial post, despite the fact that the party holds the most seats in the provincial legislature.

The party will only contest the position of deputy governor, with the chairman of the party's faction in the legislature, Rudy Harsa Tanaya, nominated for the post.

Rudy is the sole PDI Perjuangan member to receive Megawati's blessing for the gubernatorial or deputy gubernatorial post, causing speculation that the party chairwoman, who is also the President, will support a candidate with a military or bureaucratic background for the governor's seat.

Megawati's endorsement recently helped Sutiyoso, a retired lieutenant general, win a second term as Jakarta governor, despite his alleged involvement in the July 27, 1996, fatal attack on the headquarters of Megawati's party. She also backed the reelection of seasoned bureaucrat Oemarsono for the top executive post in Lampung, though he eventually lost.

"We (the PDI Perjuangan) will be more realistic," Rudy said of his candidacy.

The new governor of West Java will replace R. Nuriana, whose second five-year term ends in June.

As of Monday, some 74 candidates, including two PDI Perjuangan members, Lumi Darmawan and Gatot Tjahjono, have registered with the commission in charge of the election for governor and deputy governor.

Golkar has reportedly nominated former Siliwangi Military commander Maj. Gen. (ret) Tayo Tarmadi and incumbent provincial secretary Danny Setiawan for the gubernatorial and deputy gubernatorial posts, respectively.

PDI Perjuangan member Lumi will run for the governorship, with support from the National Mandate Party faction.

Meanwhile, the Islamic-based United Development Party (PPP), the National Awakening Party (PKB), the Justice Party (PK) and the Crescent Star Party (PBB) appear likely to support Hidayat Salim, who heads the West Java chapter of Muslim organization Muhammadiyah, for the governor's post.

PDI Perjuangan holds 30 of the 100 seats in the provincial legislature, while the Golkar Party has 21 seats.

Eka Santosa, the speaker of the West Java legislature, said the home minister had instructed the legislative body to hold the gubernatorial election immediately. The registration of candidates will last until March 7.

Several local figures, academics and non-governmental organizations have demanded that the election process be delayed, pending the passage of the general elections law that was just endorsed by the House of Representatives.

"It will give more legitimacy to the new provincial government. The delay would also prevent possible money politics," Rizal Fadillah, chairman of the West Java branch of the United Development Party of Reform, said.

But Eka said the legislature would comply with the home minister's orders and proceed with the election process.