PIB seeks alliance with PPP Reformasi

PIB seeks alliance with PPP Reformasi

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

A prominent Indonesian economist wants his planned
political party to forge an alliance with the United Development
Party of Reform (PPP Reformasi).

Dr. Sjahril, the chairman of the Alliance of a New Indonesia
(PIB), said here on Tuesday evening he saw numerous similarities
between the visions and political frameworks of his alliance and
of PPP Reformasi.

One such similarity, he said, is the view that once a party
leader is elected as a legislator or is appointed to public
office, he or she would relinquish his or her party post.

PPP Reformasi, under the leadership of popular Muslim preacher
Zainuddin M.Z., is a breakaway party of the United Development
Party led by Hamzah Haz, who is also the Vice President.

PIB is a non-governmental organization which focuses on
political and economics research. The alliance has expressed its
desire to set up a political party in September with an eye to
the 2004 elections.

"We both reject such double posting," Sjahril was quoted by
Antara as saying during a gathering of alliance board members and
members of the local Indonesian community. The gathering was
organized by the Indonesian Embassy.

Sjahril said PPP Reformasi's insistence on the need to audit
the wealth of government officials was compatible to PIB's
stance.

According to present regulations, officials are asked to
report their wealth to a state commission.

Sjahril was invited by the Australian government to attend the
unveiling of the country's budget for 2002/2003. He was
accompanied by a number of PIB board members, including Taufik
Darusman, Dedy Panigoro, Dr. Mari Pangestu and Dr. Chatib Basri.