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)