Tables are set for Kwik Kian Gie's party
Tables are set for Kwik Kian Gie's party
JAKARTA (JP): All the preparations were completed on Friday,
and the stage is set for Saturday's informal gathering of like-
minded legislators to discuss national problems.
The meeting's patron, former Coordinating Minister for the
Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie, is due to give
opening remarks on the technical aspects of the severe economic
problems gripping the country.
Even before the start of the meeting it has drawn controversy
as there have been allegations it is a precursor to a special
session of the People's Consultative Assembly which could impeach
President Abdurrahman Wahid.
The National Awakening Party (PKB) has objected to the meeting
and along with the Indonesian Military (TNI)/Police Faction have
announced that they would boycott the meeting.
However, some 300 legislators and noted guests have confirmed
their attendance for Saturday.
Kwik told journalists on Friday that "it's sad that there are
suspicions that the meeting's purpose is to try to rattle the
government".
In an apparent slight to PKB, Kwik remarked that "the
accusations came from a minor party".
Kwik, a legislator of the Indonesian Democratic Party of
Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), said in his introduction he would
promote debate on how to solve the economic problems.
He also reiterated that the meeting is only "a medium for
expressing opinions" among individuals who happen to be members
of the Assembly and the House of Representatives without carrying
the banner of their respective political parties.
"There will be no conclusion such as asking the President to
step down or anything else," he remarked.
Asked on the planned speech by former Minister of Finance
Bambang Sudibyo, Kwik said Bambang's views and technical
knowledge along with those of former minister of agriculture M.
Prakosa -- although they are not legislators -- are needed.
House deputy speaker A.M. Fatwa, who is deputy chairman of the
National Mandate Party (PAN) teasingly noted that participants
should not be afraid if the meeting was considered a political
meeting which could pressure the government.
"Why are we afraid of making a political maneuver? Gus Dur
makes a maneuver everyday," he remarked referring to the
President by his nickname.
The meeting's organizing committee chairman Ade Komaruddin of
the Golkar Party said the meeting would take place at Niaga Tower
on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, South Jakarta.
There are three main topics on the agenda: economy, law and
politics.
He said the economic discussion would be moderated by former
Ministry of Manpower and Golkar deputy chairman Fahmi Idris
accompanied by PAN secretary general Hatta Radjasa and legislator
of the United Development Party (PPP) Suryadharma Ali.
Discussion on law will be led by Hartono Mardjono of the
Crescent Star party (PBB), Didi Supriyanto of PDI Perjuangan and
M. Akil Mochtar from Golkar.
House deputy speaker Soetardjo Soerjoguritno accompanied by
Fatwa and Hafiz Zawawi of Golkar will moderate the discussion on
politics. (jun)