PDI Perjuangan urges fight against corruption

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) suggested on Tuesday that the new Cabinet fight for economic recovery and confirm the government's commitment to eradicating corruption, collusion and nepotism.

Speaking after an executive meeting, PDI Perjuangan secretary general Soetjipto said the message served to keep President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who is the party's chairwoman, alert to the political interests of other parties.

"It is very important for the party to help the President take these guidelines into account in determining the Cabinet lineup and the programs of the new government," Soetjipto said.

He added that the party also advised Megawati to appoint persons who are able to bring success to her administration.

Megawati led the meeting, which was held at the party's headquarters on Jl. Pecenongan, Central Jakarta. It was the first party meeting attended by Megawati since she assumed the presidency.

Soetjipto said the guidelines, recommended by the party's advisory body, urge Megawati to continue the efforts to settle all corruption and human rights abuse cases.

"The government should focus on economic recovery, improve people's welfare and continue combating all corruption and human rights abuses," Soetjipto said.

He underlined that the party paid serious attention to the candidates for attorney general, noting that the post should go to a person who has the heart to fight corruption, collusion and nepotism.

When asked whether the party would support a Golkar member for the post, Soetjipto said: "I think, at this point, the government realizes that the person should be free from past mistakes."

He further said the party suggested that the government elect an economic team which is professional, acceptable to the market, and could work together to boost the economic recovery.

"Settling threats of (national) disintegration and handling refugee problems across the country should also be another priority of the new government," Soetjipto said.

On military and defense issues, PDI Perjuangan expects to see internal reform within the Indonesian Military (TNI) continue in a bid to build a strong defense force.

Soetjipto also said the new government needed sufficient political support from all political powers in the country so that it would be able to run effectively.

President Megawati is scheduled to hold a breakfast meeting on Thursday with political party leaders at her private residence in Kebagusan, South Jakarta, to finalize the lineup of the Cabinet before it is announced to the public, possibly on Saturday.

National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Amien Rais disclosed the planned breakfast gathering after meeting with Vice President Hamzah Haz on Tuesday.

"It is important to unify our perception before the announcement of the Cabinet," Amien said, adding that political parties had yet to submit their candidates for ministerial posts.

Nevertheless, Soetjipto suggested that the Cabinet lineup be freed from troublemakers, who would only undermine the Cabinet's unity.

He said the Cabinet would exclude people from the National Awakening Party (PKB), which vehemently defended former president Abdurrahman Wahid.

It is important for Megawati to use momentum from the market's positive response to her election as president by severing links with the administration of former president Abdurrahman, Soetjipto said.

"Because of the political stance of Abdurrahman Wahid and PKB, we also urged that the Cabinet be cleansed from people that could hamper the government's performance," Soetjipto added.

Meanwhile, dismissed PKB chairman Matori Abdul Djalil claimed that PKB executives had asked him to talk to Megawati and request three ministerial positions for the party.

Acting PKB chairman Alwi Shihab, however, immediately denied Matori's claim, saying that neither he or Abdurrahman had ever asked for seats in the Cabinet.

"It is not true that we asked for seats in the Cabinet. Should we join the government it should be the initiative of the government not ours," Alwi, who is also the caretaker minister of foreign affairs, remarked. (dja)