Soerjadi

Soerjadi

From Media Indonesia

Recently, a city newspaper published a news item saying that two ministers -- the coordinating minister for political affairs and security and the minister of home affairs -- had pitied Soerjadi, the chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party, for all the obstacles experienced by the latter during his tour in the provinces in his effort to achieve consolidation within his party.

Meanwhile, Soerjadi still has to face another serious matter: The police will have to investigate him in connection with the July 27 riots, which claimed five lives, left hundreds of people injured and in which dozens of people disappeared (according to the National Commission on Human Rights). Soerjadi is perceived to be the person most responsible for the rioting.

I also pity him. Wherever he went -- Bali, Surabaya, East Java, Wonogiri and Central Java -- he was welcomed by a demonstration. However, the party's secretary-general denied that such things had happened during his tour of the 27 provinces. All this makes me wonder whether Soerjadi has the grassroots support of his leadership. Secondly, why should the two ministers feel pity on Soerjadi? Why should not the same sentiment be expressed over Megawati, who was dethroned as the party's chairwoman by Soerjadi's group, resulting in her having no headquarters and branch offices in the provinces? After all, politics is said to be a dirty game.

BUDI SANTOSO

Semarang, Central Java