Two more refuse to join new Golkar executive board
Two more refuse to join new Golkar executive board
JAKARTA (JP): Two more politicians, Sudarko Prawiroyudho and
Thomas Suyatno, refused yesterday to join the new Golkar
executive board, bringing the number of people who have declined
to 11.
The number is expected to increase further. People whose names
were on the list were given until 6 p.m. yesterday to confirm
their acceptance.
The nine who have already resigned are Indra Bambang Utojo,
Didit Hariyadi, Tjahyo Kumolo, Krissantono, Watty Amir, Salim
Said, Jimly Assidiqie, Abubakar Umar and Setiawan Djodi.
New Golkar chief Akbar Tanjung named Soedarko, known as a
Javanese puppet player, as the coordinator of the art and culture
department last week.
Soedarko said that he decided not to accept the appointment
because he was afraid he would not be able to dedicate his
expertise to the arts if he joined Golkar.
"If I join Golkar, I'm afraid I will have to give Golkar
messages every time I play wayang (shadow puppets)," Soedarko was
quoted by Antara as saying.
He said that he sent his resignation letter to the Golkar
executive board by courier on Tuesday.
Thomas, who was appointed a member of the education
department, said that he decided not to accept the duty because
he felt he was "too senior" for the title.
"I chaired the department for 10 years. Let a younger person
step into my shoes now," Thomas said.
Deputy chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights
Marzuki Darusman told The Jakarta Post that he had yet to decide
weather he would accept or reject Tanjung's offer.
"Let the dust (sparked by the internal bickering within
Golkar) settle naturally," said Marzuki, who was appointed one of
the deputies to the Golkar secretary-general, without
elaborating.
But when pressed further he also refused to say he would
reject the appointment.
"It doesn't necessarily mean I reject it, I just don't want to
create misunderstandings," he replied.
In Semarang, Central Java, the local chapter of the Indonesian
Teachers Association (PGRI) announced it had decided to break
ranks from Golkar.
Its leader Karseno said that the Central Java PGRI members
would be free to channel their political aspirations to any
political party in future general elections.
Until last year's election, PGRI, which claims to have 1.4
million members, was a staunch supporter of Golkar.
In Jakarta, Tanjung downplayed the growing number of
politicians who have rejected his invitations to join the Golkar
executive board.
He maintained that the number was "small" and that the
resignations would not affect the political organization.
Golkar's 138-strong new executive board has been widely
criticized because it comprises many people affiliated to the
government. Tanjung retains his post as minister/state secretary.
Critics doubt Golkar will be able to accommodate demands for
reforms. (byg)