PDI Perjuangan rocked by another resignation

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.