Sarwono urges MPR to name VP candidates

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)