PDI Perjuangan rocked by another resignation

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

A senior Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) legislator has resigned in apparent disgust at the party's decision not to establish a team to investigate the Rp 40 billion (US$4.5 million) scandal at the State Logistics Agency (Bulog).

The exit of Indira Damayanti Soegondo has increased speculation that President Megawati Soekarnoputri's political party, which won the highest number of votes in the 1999 elections, is suffering serious internal problems.

Indira's resignation follows the recent exit of Dimyati Hartono and Sophan Sophian from the party chaired by President Megawati.

Dimyati, former chairman of the PDI Perjuangan faction at the House, quit last year during a clash with Megawati and other party figures over the party's political platforms.

Sophan quit in January for similar reasons.

Indira confirmed that she had sent her resignation letter to Megawati on July 1, but added she was yet to receive no reply.

Indira was one of five legislators from the PDI Perjuangan faction that voted for the establishment of an inquiry team to probe the Bulog scandal that allegedly involves House Speaker Akbar Tandjung.

Only three PDI Perjuangan legislators followed Megawati's directions to vote against the establishment of the special investigation team, with most faction members abstaining from last week's vote.

Following the resignation of Sophan in January, speculation has developed that PDI Perjuangan is in the brink of a serious internal conflict.

Meilono Suwondo, who also voted for the establishment of the inquiry committee, was among PDI Perjuangan legislators who felt frustrated over his faction's policy on the bulog scandal.

PDI Perjuangan has become the target of public criticism for its weird policies, including Megawati's support for incumbent Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso for a second term in office and rejection for direct presidential election in 2004.