Sophan refuses ambassadorship

Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) member Sophan Sophiaan has turned down the offer of an ambassadorial job in Japan, which the party sees as a settlement to their dispute.

Sophan said, after a weekly party meeting in Jakarta on Tuesday, that he would not accept the offer due as "I don't think I could represent the country while I feel that my stance is not in accordance with the political condition of the nation."

"Nevertheless, I will remain true to the party's struggle along with my friends here, as I'm a co-founder and have helped raise the party."

Sophan attended the meeting to disclose the reasons behind his decision to resign as a party legislator at the House of Representatives (DPR) and People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). He headed the party's MPR faction.

The party failed to decide whether it would accept his resignation before or after it had found a suitable post for him. Among the options given to Sophan were the ambassadorial job in Japan and an advisory position within the party.

Party chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, who is also the president, presided over the meeting.

According to the Constitution, the selection of ambassadors is the President's prerogative.

PDI Perjuangan deputy secretary-general Pramono Anung Wibowo said that the party considered Sophan's resignation his individual right.

"Since Pak Sophan has promised to remain in the party and be a part of our struggle, we would hold this decision until the party can decide on a respectable position for him," Pramono said, accompanied by Sophan.

Sophan said he received a positive response from party members when explaining his resignation. But he lamented the delay in the party's response to his move.

"Personally, I think the matter is final... I regretted the party's stance of not making any decision and I also don't know until when (they will do so)," he said.

Sophan announced his resignation last month. It came against the backdrop of a visible split in PDI Perjuangan over whether to support the formation of a House special committee to investigate the misuse of Rp 40 billion of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) funds in 1999 involving then state minister/secretary Akbar Tandjung, the current House Speaker.

Sophan has said he quit the DPR and MPR due to his exasperation with politicians who were too busy fighting for their own interests instead of voicing the people's aspirations.

He, however, refused to link his move to the dispute within his party.

"I cannot get along in the current political climate, and I told the other members of the party that perhaps I am not so tough as them," he said.

As for the rumors saying that there are also other members who would like to resign, Sophan said it was merely hollow talk spread by those who wished to destroy PDI Perjuangan.

On the same issue, Pramono said the party had verified the rumors, first voiced, but later denied, by party member Heri Ahmadi.