Rulling party hesitant to investigate Akbar

Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) stood behind its decision to postpone the establishment of a House of Representatives special committee to investigate House Speaker Akbar Tandjung in a move that opposes protesters' demands.

PDI Perjuangan deputy chairman Roy B. Janis reiterated on Tuesday that it would only discuss the establishment of a House special committee after the National Mandate Party (PAN) wrapped up their national congress.

"PAN is the one who asked to postpone the discussion. We agreed considering that this matter should be discussed and decided on together," Roy said after a four-hour meeting with Megawati Soekarnoputri and other PDI Perjuangan members at the President's official residence in Central Jakarta.

Hundreds of protesters from the Petition 50 task force and the New Order Watch Commission, went to the PDI Perjuangan office in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta to protest the party's indecisiveness to investigate Akbar.

Other organizations, such as the Association of Islamic Students (HMI), Marhaen People's Movement and the Communication Forum of Islamic Parties, also took part in the protest.

The rally forced the party to move its meeting to Megawati's official residence on Jl. Teuku Umar in Central Jakarta.

In regard to the rally, Roy said the party would weigh the protesters' message.

As much as 52.2 percent of House members supported the establishment of a special committee.

PDI Perjuangan remains undecided, but it is carefully contemplating its move so as not to upset its fragile relations with Akbar Tandjung and his Golkar party.

Although they have yet to announce an official stance, the party has hinted that they would wait for the completion of the legal process on Akbar, who is being tried for allegedly misusing Rp 40 billion of State Logistics Agency (Bulog) funds.