Tutut could become next president: Analyst
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Former president Soeharto's eldest daughter Siti Hardijanti Rukmana could emerge a serious contender for the presidency, given her family's wealth and solid network, a scholar warns.
Maswadi Rauf, a University of Indonesia (UI) professor, said politicians seemed to ignore the maneuvers of Hardijanti, popularly known as Tutut.
"Tutut may gain people's support because the Cendana family has unlimited funds and a strong network," Maswadi said, referring to the street in up-market Menteng area in Central Jakarta where Soeharto lives.
Maswadi raised his concern during an evaluation of the election campaign at Golkar Party headquarters here on Friday. Golkar deputy chairman Agung Laksono also spoke at the forum.
Maswadi said Soeharto, with his New Order regime, should be part of the past.
"I am very disappointed to see signs of the old regime's revival," he said.
Many have blamed the apparent revival of the New Order regime on the failure of the current political elite to push for sweeping reform.
Maswadi said indications that people were supporting Tutut and her Concern for the Nation Functional Party (PKPB) simply proved that they had a short memory.
The PKPB is chaired by former Army chief Gen. (ret) R. Hartono, a loyal aide to Soeharto.
Asked if Golkar might have intentions to establish a coalition with the PKPB, Agung Laksono acknowledged the issue had become a serious topic of discussion among party members.
Agung, one of Golkar's strategists, said his party would not decide on a possible coalition with other parties before election results were announced.
Maswadi also joined the chorus of criticism against political parties for failing to promote quality, educational campaigns.
Instead of explaining their political platform and mission to the people, campaigners were keen to provide free T-shirts and meals to attract crowds. Campaigners have also hired musicians or singers, mostly of the popular dangdut genre, as a voter lure.
According to Maswadi, the method proved that both the political elite and the people misperceived the purpose of campaigning.
"They only think a campaign is nothing but a mass gathering, parades and dancing. Nothing is different from past elections," he said.
He suggested that elected legislators revise the existing Election Law to encourage smart campaigns.
"Street rallies and mass gatherings must be banned. Instead, the politicians must hold dialogs with the people and explain their platforms and programs," he said.