Saefuddin explains motive behind statement

JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Food and Horticulture A.M Saefuddin said on Monday his recent declaration of intent to run for the presidency was aimed at diminishing public misperceptions about the position and not to insult other parties.

"Fifty-three years after independence, the presidency is seen as something that is so sacred and eerie that nobody has the courage to stand up and nominate themselves for it," the minister told a media conference at his office here on Monday.

He suggested that in the future Indonesia should have more than one presidential candidate in order to build a more democratic society.

Saefuddin, an executive of the Moslem-based United Development Party (PPP), recently irked many people when he said he would make a better candidate than Megawati Soekarnoputri of the splintered Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI).

He cited how Indonesian people, the majority of whom were Moslems, would not like to be led by Megawati because she was "a Hindu".

The minister's statement sparked protests from various groups in the predominantly Hindu province of Bali who accused him of insulting the minority group.

Hundreds of people staged a demonstration at the provincial office of the religious affairs ministry in capital Denpasar on Monday to protest against Saefuddin. Antara reported they also demanded President B.J. Habibie take action against the minister over the insult. In addition, they demanded that the provincial government bar him from entering the tourist island.

Another protest was also held on Monday outside the office of Governor Dewa Made Beratha. The governor promised the protesters that he would raise the issue with the President.

Regarding the protests, Saefuddin said he was open to criticism and protests and had not intended to insult the predominantly Hindu Balinese people.

"I had no intention of insulting a certain religion or its followers," he said.

Saefuddin challenged both Megawati and another contender, Amien Rais of the National Mandate Party (PAN), to a public debate in order to prove their capability. He even suggested that the debate be held in English and German.

Neither Megawati nor Amien has responded to the challenge. (01)