Sarwono urges MPR to name VP candidates

JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja called on the five factions at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) yesterday to name their vice presidential candidates, ending the political uncertainty.

He said that establishing criteria was inadequate as it was open to various interpretations.

"All factions in the MPR should act quickly as they are now racing with the market demand, which changes hourly," he told journalists at his residence here yesterday. "Every negative interpretation on the next vice president will bring our economy to another low."

Sarwono said he was obliged to air his views on the situation because continued uncertainty may harm the greater interest of the public.

"Our people will not mind suffering as long as it is certain in which direction the nation is heading," he said.

Sarwono also indicated that multiple vice presidential candidates can be accepted by saying that voting should not be considered a taboo.

"President Soeharto once told fellow cabinet minister Hayono Isman that he did not mind if the MPR had to vote for the vice president," he said, referring to the State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.

He said that in 1988 Soeharto told a visiting Golkar delegation, in which he was Golkar's secretary-general, that he wished to see the MPR factions name their own vice presidential candidates.

In the past, it was Soeharto himself, aided by an extraparliamentary group of advisors, who named the vice president.

He said he was optimistic that Golkar would come forward with the best candidate for the vice presidency.

"I understand there are lots of capable Golkar cadres for the vice presidency," he said. "But we only need one name that will be consulted with the elected president."

Sarwono's call on the People's Consultative Assembly to name their vice presidential candidates echoed those of some people who said that naming a vice presidential candidate, especially by the dominant Golkar, would help end political uncertainty.

Golkar legislator Muladi said naming the vice presidential candidates, the five factions -- Golkar, the United Development Party, the Indonesian Democratic Party, the Armed Forces and the Regional Representatives -- would help alleviate the currency turmoil.

On Tuesday, Golkar and its allies, the Armed Forces and the bureaucracy, put forward 29 criteria for the vice presidency, refusing to say outright who its candidate was, thereby leading to even greater uncertainty. Speculation grew that Golkar was referring to State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie after it was announced that the criteria for the next vice president was that they should master science and technology.

Officials and some party executives dismissed the speculation, saying the criteria could point to a large number of people.

Binding

Some political observers said yesterday the criteria put forward by Golkar was by no means binding anyone and they were still open to debate.

Former minister of home affairs Rudini said the criteria was a good screening mechanism, but not final.

"Don't forget, the final words on a vice presidential candidate rest with the elected president," said Rudini who now chairs an informal military think tank, the Institute for Strategic Studies of Indonesia (LPSI).

Muladi said the vice presidency remained open despite the criteria put forward by Golkar and its allies.

"Civilian or military candidates have an equal chance," said Muladi, who is also rector of the Semarang-based Diponegoro University.

Political observer Bachtiar Aly suggested the People's Consultative Assembly and the strongest presidential candidate, Soeharto, listen to the public's aspirations and the House of Representatives.

"Open discussions on the vice presidency must be encouraged so people can contribute ideas to the Assembly and the elected president," said Bachtiar, also a Golkar member.

Rudini said the vice presidency was even more important because Soeharto, if reelected, would start his seventh consecutive term at the age of 77.

"The next vice president must have strong leadership skills and must be a person who can be accepted by all elements of society," he said. "He should be able to win people's hearts."

Separately, two political observers at Diponegoro University said President Soeharto's decision to accept Golkar's renomination for the 1998/2003 term was a suitable option.

"It's impossible for Pak Harto to resign and abandon his people who are struggling in the ongoing economic crisis," law professor Soehardjo S.S. said.

"It's good to know that Pak Harto is willing to be renominated for presidency," said Susilo Utomo. "He is still needed by the nation because of his experience in handling past crises, including economic difficulties." (aan/amd/imn/har)