Saefuddin reiterates presidential ambitions

JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Food and Horticulture A.M. Saefuddin reiterated his ambition on Wednesday to become the country's next president and made light of the abilities of possible rival Megawati Soekarnoputri of the splintered Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI).

Saefuddin, representing the United Development Party (PPP) in the Cabinet, expressed confidence that he would be able to gain enough support during his campaign. He believed that even President B.J. Habibie himself would support him.

"I am ready. It is not a problem if I win or lose," the minister said before attending a monthly Cabinet meeting on economic affairs at the Bina Graha presidential office.

Saefuddin made it clear that he would fight to be elected PPP chairman to pave the way for a presidential bid.

If elected PPP chairman, he said he would prefer to form a coalition with Habibie rather than Golkar.

He cited several major agendas he would focus on should he become the country's leader, including the promotion of small businesses, upholding human rights and the revision of Armed Forces' (ABRI) roles.

"Does Megawati have the guts to revamp ABRI's role?" he asked journalists.

He challenged other presidential aspirants to public debates using not only the Indonesian language but also other foreign languages.

"The next president must be a global champion," he said, adding that he was able to communicate fluently in English and German.

Saefuddin, known as a humorous professor of agriculture, said Golkar would not be able to win enough votes in next year's election because its image had been totally tarnished.

"Habibie is not identical with Golkar. Habibie is not a member of its executive board. His position is only as a (Golkar) member," he said when explaining why he would choose the President as a possible partner.

Saefuddin has made the challenge to Megawati and the other notable aspirant, National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Amien Rais, earlier this week. No response has emerged from either of the two figures so far.

Amien himself has recently delivered the same invitation to a public debate to Megawati. (prb)