Race for Golkar's top post narrows to Akbar and Edi

Race for Golkar's top post narrows to Akbar and Edi

JAKARTA (JP): The election for Golkar's top post effectively
became a two-man race between Minister/State Secretary Akbar
Tandjung and former defense minister Edi Sudradjat as delegates
at Golkar's extraordinary congress initiated public endorsements
yesterday for the two candidates.

Although other names, such as former ministers Sarwono
Kusumaatmadja and Siswono Yudohusodo along with Kosgoro chief
Bambang W. Soeharto, are also said to be figuring in the contest,
it was Akbar and Edi's names which were repeatedly touted by
delegates.

But the two much-talked-about candidates themselves had little
to say about their chances.

Akbar remained cool despite the media hype surrounding his
name, quickly dismissing suggestions that he had made special
preparations to win the race.

"I've just heard that some Golkar members wanted to nominate
me in the election," he said. "I haven't had any discussions or
lobbied other participants yet."

He said he would not get involved in the election process and
would let the congress' participants decide for themselves.

Edi absolutely refused to talk about his hopes.

"I will comment only if the extraordinary congress puts my
name onto the nomination list," Edi told reporters after the
opening ceremony of the three-day extraordinary congress
yesterday.

The official nomination list to replace chairman Harmoko is
not expected to be generated until today.

But supporters of Akbar and Edi were already lobbying on the
congress' sidelines. Some were blatant in their support, while
others made veiled references to the need for a younger leader.

Edi turned 60 last April, while Akbar will be 53 this year.

The lines of support seemed to have become firmly entrenched
with Akbar being supported by the Armed Forces Headquarters and
Edi by retired senior military officers.

A member of Golkar's board of patrons, Moerdiono, lauded Edi
as an ideal chairman.

"Pak Edi has long been a reformist even when he was still a
cabinet minister," he said.

Moerdiono, a former minister/state secretary, then brushed
aside comments that a younger man should take over the top Golkar
post.

"Do we want to select a football player or a Golkar chairman?"
he quipped.

Another member of the board of patrons, Siswono Yudohusodo,
said the next Golkar chairman neither be a bureaucrat nor a
legislator.

"We need a strong civilian chairperson so that he or she can
independently evaluate any Golkar officials who commit
wrongdoings," he said.

The chairman of Golkar's labor wing SOKSI, Oetojo Oesman, said
both Akbar and Edi had equal capabilities but suggested that age
should be a consideration.

"Regeneration is necessary," he said. "Yet, the decision will
completely rest on the participants."

Oetojo, a former minister of justice, also said that the new
Golkar chairman should be able to restore Golkar's declining
image.

After the congress' opening ceremony, Sarwono confirmed that
there was already a consensus in Golkar's Big Family that the
board of patrons should be abolished.

When asked about Golkar's advisory board, Sarwono said the
body could still exist, but suggested that its authority be
reviewed.

Earlier on Tuesday, congress committee chairman Waskito
Reksosoedirdjo said the abolition of the board of patrons,
together with the board of advisors and board of councilors,
would be included in the congress' agenda. (imn/aan)