Taufik wants nationalist-religious coalition
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.