Rachmawati to challenge Megawati's reelection bid

Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

A daughter of founding president Sukarno, Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, declared on Thursday her own political party, paving the way for a possible showdown with her older sister, President Megawati Soekarnoputri, in the 2004 elections.

The establishment of the Pioneer Party (PP) followed Rachmawati's harsh criticism of the President for what she called her betrayal of the teachings of their father and a failure to institute changes desired by the people.

"I invite my sister Megawati to talk with me about her commitment to the welfare of low-income people who have always been oppressed by imperialism," the half-paralyzed Rachmawati told a crowd of around 2,000 at the Pondok Gede pilgrim dormitory in East Jakarta.

"I am not against the IMF (International Monetary Fund) or the World Bank, but we oppose any form of oppression. We should have rejected conditions imposed by foreign creditors."

Rachmawati said her stance was in line with firebrand nationalist Sukarno's popular anti-imperialist slogan: "Go to hell with your aid", which the first president once told the United States.

She said the new party would struggle for Sukarno's ideals of a prosperous Indonesia free from imperialism.

"Our vision and mission are to implement the true teachings of Sukarno and to achieve justice and prosperity in this country," she said.

"We want this party to be revolutionary and progressive in carrying out its strategic programs," she added.

Led by Rachmawati, the PP is backed by a 17-member board of little-known figures from various backgrounds with Eko Suryo Santjojo serving as secretary general and Ketut Tastra Sukata as treasurer.

The party has reportedly set up branches in 27 provinces across the country.

Rachmawati said her party was still to decide if it would contest the 2004 elections.

Former president Abdurrahman Wahid was appointed as member of the Pioneer's presidium along with Rachmawati.

Rachmawati said she wanted Gus Dur's support to help her party solicit backing from nationalist Muslims.

Also present was noted film director Eros Djarot, who currently chairs the newly-established Bung Karno Nationalist Party (PNBK), and other nationalist figures.

"As a long-time friend, I support the establishment of the Pioneer Party. My party has the same goals and ideals as Mbak Rachmawati's," Eros said.

He said the PP and PNBK would form a political coalition ahead of the next elections.