PPP, Golkar and PDI register for June 7

JAKARTA (JP): Three established political parties -- the United Development Party (PPP), Golkar and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) -- joined the more than 100 new political parties on Thursday registering with the Ministry of Justice for the upcoming general election.

Under the new law on political parties, the three parties automatically qualify to register with the ministry.

As many as 115 parties have registered with the ministry as of Thursday afternoon, but only 71 satisfied administrative requirements, registration committee spokesman Bambang Wiyono said.

On Thursday, Golkar -- whose name is the abbreviation of Golongan Karya or functional group -- was registered by deputy chairman Agung Laksono, secretary-general Tuswandi and several other party executives.

Soon it will formally declare itself a political party rather than a mere "grouping". However, Golkar registered on Thursday as Golongan Karya not Partai Golongan Karya.

Agung said Golkar Party would be the organization's name.

Golkar officials arrived to register shortly after executives from PPP and PDI.

Golkar, PPP and PDI decided to register a few days after Minister of Justice Muladi urged them to do so, citing a stipulation in the new political law that established parties must "adjust themselves".

Oka Mahendra, a member of Muladi's staff, pointed out that there have been changes in the three parties, either in their symbols or organizational statutes.

PPP secretary-general Alimarwan Hanan said PPP had planned to register from the beginning.

"Of course we have to do so ... we want to continue flying," Alimarwan said.

Meanwhile, the PDI faction under the leadership of Budi Hardjono was registered by Didi Mokoginta, a staff member with the party.

Under the new political law, over 140 new political parties now registered with the Ministry of Home Affairs must submit administrative documents to the justice ministry's registration committee so their names can be published in the State Gazettes as new corporate bodies.

The registration will close on Feb. 21.

According to the government's blueprint for the general election, those parties the justice ministry's committee deems qualified will be screened further by the General Election Institute with the assistance of the Team of Eleven, which consists of respected public figures.

Andi A. Mallarangeng, a member of the team, said on Thursday that so far only 12 parties had qualified to be screened by the team. Screenings will commence on Feb. 21 and last until Feb. 23.

Only parties which are approved by the Team of Eleven will be allowed to contest the June 7 general election. (aan)