Toward a face-saving settlement?

At long last the Supreme Court has made its ruling in the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) case, a decision far from ending the dispute (between former party chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri and the government-backed Soerjadi faction which ousted her) since the decision only raised new controversies. The Supreme Court ruled that Megawati could proceed with her lawsuit against Soerjadi, but that she could not sue the government for interfering in the party's internal affairs.

Politically, Megawati's right to lead the party was actually established during last year's general election. After ousting Megawati, the party under Soerjadi performed dismally during the election. Still, his was the party faction the government has chosen to recognize -- even until now.

In this climate of legal and political confusion, the Soerjadi faction has decided to hold a party congress in Palu from Aug. 26 to Aug. 29. The cordial relationship that evidently exists between Soerjadi and President B.J. Habibie may hurt the feelings of some of Megawati's supporters. But the government's blessings and the approval it has bestowed on Soerjadi shows that even in this time of reform, recognition from the government is still important.

The current administration should, however, not burden itself with its predecessor's legacy. While an apology to Megawati may not be imperative, the government could try to bring the two sides together and get them to agree to restore Megawati's leadership before approving a party congress. Alternately, the Palu congress could resolve to do this, perhaps together with a statement of apology for past mistakes.

If this could be done, acknowledging Megawati's leadership should not be too embarrassing for either Soerjadi or the government. Should this happen, the Megawati camp might find it judicious to accept such a decision by the (Palu) congress with grace so that the party could concentrate on consolidating its ranks in preparation for the upcoming general election.

-- Surabaya Post