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.