Saefuddin explains motive behind statement

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)