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)