Statement on opposition to Habibie sparks speculation

JAKARTA (JP): A recent statement by a close presidential advisor that President B.J. Habibie's strongest opposition in a presidential election bid would come from within Golkar's own ranks has triggered speculation from political observers.

"Habibie's main competitor for president (for the next term) is not Megawati Soekarnoputri, but from within Golkar itself," Dewi Fortuna Anwar was quoted by Panji Masyarakat as saying in a seminar organized by the prestigious National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas) early this month.

Observers have since trained their focus on Golkar's soft- spoken chairman, Akbar Tandjung, who is also minister/state secretary. Akbar has been active in Golkar since former president Soeharto came to power in 1967.

The party that garners the most votes in the upcoming general election in May theoretically will have a great opportunity to lead the country or at least to play a key role in the next government.

A reliable source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Habibie's camp had become more aware of Akbar's political power.

"Unlike Pak Harto, Pak Habibie does not have a direct line of command with Golkar's leadership," the official said on Saturday.

Habibie has always given vague answers when asked whether he would seek to run in the presidential election in December next year.

The official said it was natural for Habibie's camp to prepare for the election.

The names of officials regarded as Habibie's inner circle now include Minister of Cooperatives Adi Sasono, secretary of development operations Lt. Gen. (ret) Sintong Panjaitan and his close confidants Jimly Ashshiddique and Ahmad Watik Pratiknya.

For decades Soeharto acted as the chief of Golkar's board of patrons and was able to fully control the dominant political grouping through a veto power over all its affairs.

In its extraordinary congress in July, Golkar abolished the board of patrons. Habibie, who was then the board's coordinator, endorsed Akbar in his race to defeat Gen. (ret) Edi Sudradjat, a Soeharto favorite, for Golkar's chairmanship.

Akbar is known as a savvy politician who has rarely burned his bridges with other major political figures.

"Akbar can play at least the role of kingmaker because Golkar will likely garner a sufficient number votes in the next election," an official said.

It means even if a coalition government has to be formed, Akbar's position would be stronger than Habibie's, he added.

Akbar has repeatedly said he would not resign from the Cabinet, arguing that President Habibie himself had asked him to stay on despite his tight schedule as Golkar chairman.

Dewi's announcement on Friday that she would serve as a presidential spokeswoman when called on to do so by the President, however, has sparked new speculation over Akbar's fate in the Cabinet since the serving minister/state secretary traditionally acts as the president's chief spokesperson.

"She is not a presidential spokesperson," Akbar said on Friday. He acknowledged that he had instructed Dewi, his assistant on foreign affairs, to act as alternate spokesperson when he was too busy.

Dewi, a senior political scientist, also confirmed Akbar's statement on Friday.

Having long acted as Habibie's advisor on diplomatic affairs, Dewi has practically arranged all of Habibie's interviews with the foreign press.

Akbar accompanies the President in receiving important guests at the Bina Graha presidential office or at Merdeka Palace.

"They like and need each other," a Palace official said. (prb)