Sarwono warns of divisive political cliques

Sarwono warns of divisive political cliques

CIREBON, West Java (JP): State Minister of Environment Sarwono
Kusumaatmadja said here yesterday that some political groups
would risk national unity to achieve their agendas.

Sarwono, a former Golkar secretary-general, said some
ambitious people had formed cliques to fight for power.

They would not hesitate to politicize religion and set groups
against each other, he said.

He believed the rising incidence of mob violence during the
campaign was caused by these political groups.

"People must realize that the violence during political
parties' campaigns isn't necessarily triggered by party
supporters," he said.

Sarwono's remarks come amid growing tension ahead of the May
29 general election to elect 425 members of the House of
Representatives.

Observers believe the political tension will not dissipate
until after the presidential election scheduled for March.

When asked to name the political groups, he said: "Just beware
of their moves."

He said the groups included people from the military,
bureaucracy, business.

"It's easy to provoke mob violence during a massive street
rally, and they (the groups) know that. One could simply pay
thugs to wear the campaigning party's attire and ask them to
incite the masses," he said.

Sarwono said the groups would publicize their agendas after
people were disoriented by the chaos they had caused.

Sarwono said he was astounded by President Soeharto's call
Wednesday to revitalize nationalism.

"We should now start to function as a nation again, no matter
what your colors are. Be it green, yellow, red, or Mega-bintang,"
Sarwono said.

The colors represent the United Development Party (PPP),
Golkar and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) respectively.
Mega-bintang is an emerging alliance of the PPP and supporters of
the ousted PDI leader Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Sarwono was speaking after hosting a talk show-like gathering
for Golkar at the Gratia Convention Hall.

Enggartiasto Lukito, a businessman and legislative candidate,
promised the Golkar audience that he would open the doors of his
office for "consultations on business partnership schemes".

Meanwhile, in Jakarta, tens of thousands of supporters flocked
to Golkar rallies.

Government officials in South Jakarta said campaigning there
had proceeded smoothly but with "minor" incidents, mostly
the removal of banners by other parties' supporters and the
presence of many minors at the rallies.

Golkar's rallies featured former Jakarta governor
Tjokropranolo, Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Azwar
Anas and other prominent people.

The Golkar rally in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta, consisted
mainly of dangdut and pop music and comedy performances by
singers Titiek Hamzah and Deddy Dhukun and comedians Iskak and
Ateng.

In Yogyakarta, campaigner Soesilo Soedarman told thousands of
supporters in the Kridosono sports stadium that Golkar would seek
to eradicate poverty by 2004. (aan/har/01/pwn/23)