Sri Bintang's replacement

Sri Bintang's replacement

Sri Bintang Pamungkas, who was withdrawn from the United Development Part (PPP) faction in the House of Representatives, will be replaced by Hadimulyo. The decision was made public by the general chairman of the party in Jayapura on Sunday evening. Bintang was withdrawn because he was considered too vocal and his outspokenness was regarded as overstepping the boundaries of the party's codes of discipline.

The interesting thing is that Hadimulyo is known to be a member of a non-governmental organization -- one of the societal groups which have been known to be critical and vocal in their expression of grievances, particularly concerning human rights and democratization issues.

The question is: Will Hadimulyo's presence in parliament not make things awkward for the PPP faction, as was the case when Sri Bintang Pamungkas was a member?

If Hadimulyo's political stance remains like that of most NGO members -- that is, critical and vocal -- it could be embarrassing for the PPP. On the other hand, if he changes and softens his attitude he will be ridiculed by his former colleagues.

It would be interesting to hear Hadimulyo's comments. As for the United Development Party and its faction in the House of Representatives, their leaders have already stated that a vocal member will pose no problems. And according to Aisyah Amini, one of the chairpersons of the PPP board and a vocal member of the legislature, vocal parliament members are quite acceptable as long as their commitment and behavior remains in line with the disciplinary rules of the parties they represent.

-- Jawa Pos, Surabaya