Speculations over resignation of Wiranto denied

Speculations over resignation of Wiranto denied

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice/State Secretary Muladi
strongly dismissed on Tuesday speculations surrounding Minister
of Defense and Security/Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen.
Wiranto's resignation.

Muladi indicated that Wiranto would keep his two posts, at
least until a significant improvement of the national security
situation was achieved.

"I think the problem of defense and security, and (the
position) of TNI Chief is also very crucial under current
conditions," said Muladi without elaborating after meeting with
President B.J. Habibie at Merdeka Palace on Tuesday.

A senior official disclosed that Wiranto repeated again his
reluctance to accept Habibie's offer for the vice presidency on
Monday when the president summoned Wiranto and Golkar chairman
Akbar Tandjung to his private residence at Patra Kuningan, South
Jakarta.

"Wiranto said he was still not ready for the vice presidential
post," said the official who also attended Monday's meeting.

Kingmaker

Meanwhile in Yogyakarta, political observer Cornelis Lay said
the TNI faction in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) could
play a decisive role in swaying victory in the Oct. 20
presidential election.

"No single faction in the Assembly can ignore the faction,"
the political scientist said.

Cornelis, a lecturer at Gadjah Mada University, called on the
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) to
abandon its arrogance as it had no choice but to approach the TNI
faction if it wanted its chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri to win
the election.

"TNI will play a decisive role in the presidential election if
there is still no change in the position of PDI Perjuangan and
the National Awakening Party (PKB) against the axis force and
Golkar," he noted.

Cornelis predicted there would be a growing trend among major
political parties, including the axis force, to accept any
presidential candidates except Megawati, if PDI Perjuangan did
not change its stubbornness.

"Therefore there is no other option for PDI Perjuangan but to
persuade the TNI faction," he said.

Cornelis, however, acknowledged the negative consequences of
such a coalition as concessions would likely have to make to the
military.

"This means that it would be extremely counterproductive
against the demands for the abolition of the military's
sociopolitical role," he noted.

The newly elected speaker of the Assembly, Amien Rais,
emphasized the need for the military to concentrate its duties in
defense and security, and refrain from other activities,
including politics.

"The presence of TNI in the MPR is also expected to be
neutral. Don't use their right to vote," said Amien after
attending TNI's 54th anniversary in Jakarta. (44/prb)