Taufik wants nationalist-religious coalition
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Sukabumi, West Java
Clearly still haunted by the price it had to pay for the overconfident attitude of its leader after winning the 1999 general elections, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) is stepping up efforts to lure other major parties as a coalition partner in facing the country's first direct presidential election on July 5.
With the legislative election campaign only five days ahead, the party's senior patron Taufik Kiemas visited the Al Masthuriyah pesantren (Islamic boarding school) in Sukabumi on Saturday, which is owned by respected Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) ulema Fachrudin Masthuro. He was received by hundreds of santris (students) and local clerics.
During his visit the husband of President Megawati Soekarnoputri clearly mentioned that the party was in search of a running mate for his wife in July.
Taufik expressed confidence that the future national leadership would be on the hands of a coalition between nationalist and religious groups.
"Never in our history, have the two powers come together to form a coalition to lead the country. For the future I believe such a formation could produce the best leaders," Taufik said.
He further said that PDI-P, a nationalist grouping, would not stand a chance in the coming election without the support from the religious grouping.
"The two pillars will provide solid ground for the next government," Taufik said.
NU's then chairman Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid surprisingly defeated Megawati in 1999's presidential race although Abdurrahman's party, the National Awakening Party (PKB) only came fourth in the legislative election at that time. Her stubbornness against forming a coalition with other parties was believed to be the main reason for her failure.
She was to replace Gus Dur two years later after he was ousted by the People's Consultative Assembly.
On behalf of his wife Taufik has made several visits to Muslim leaders to lure support for the coming election.
Putting their cards on the table as the election draw nears, Taufik mentioned four names -- Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung, NU chairman Hasyim Muzadi, the United Development Party (PPP) chairman and incumbent Vice President Hamzah Haz and Muhammdiyah senior leader Malik Fadjar -- as the possible running mate for Megawati.
NU deputy chairman Achmad Bagdja, however, told Taufik during the visit NU would remain neutral in the coming election, and would not promise support for particular parties.
"We welcome anyone in our schools, but we hope that these visits will not create confusion among the followers," Achmad said.
When asked later about a possible bid for Hasyim as vice president, Achmad said that NU would not discuss it until there was an official request from the party.