U.S. wants quick selection of new Indonesian president

U.S. wants quick selection of new Indonesian president

JAKARTA (JP): The United States called on Tuesday for the quick selection of a new Indonesian president following the validation of last month's election results.

"It is important that the convening of the new government and the selection of the next president be completed as quickly as possible," State Department spokesman James Rubin said, urging transparency in the process.

"This will help reduce the impact of continued uncertainty on political stability and enhance the prospects for rapid economic recovery," he said in a statement quoted by AFP.

President B.J. Habibie issued on Wednesday a decree which validated the results of the June 7 general election.

Rubin said he believed that the elections represent a significant step toward a democratic government.

"We welcome the enthusiasm of the electorate, and we have encouraged the government to build on the initial gains of the June elections by ensuring that each step through to the selection of the president be conducted in a free and fully transparent manner," he said.

The 700-member People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) is scheduled to convene to elect a president and vice president in November. MPR, which includes 38 seats reserved for the military and 200 appointed representatives, is not bound by the poll results in appointing the president but Rubin said Washington expected the choice to reflect the wishes of the voters.

"A credible process will guarantee that the selection of the new president does indeed reflect the will of the people," he said. But he refused to speculate on who would be chosen or whom the United States would prefer to see in power.

According to the vote tally released on July 26, opposition party the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) under Megawati Soekarnoputri took 33.7 percent of the 105 million valid votes counted.

The ruling Golkar party -- which routinely topped the polls in Soeharto's 32-year reign and which backs his successor, President Habibie -- trailed with 22 percent.

In an interview with the Washington Post published on Wednesday, Habibie conceded that the general election had left him with "less mandate" to lead than his rival, Megawati, and said he would have "no problem" stepping down if the national Assembly chose her as president.

But Habibie also made it clear he did not consider the contest over until the MPR legislators met later this year.

He declined to criticize Megawati or comment on her capacity to govern.

Ministers

In Purwokerto, Central Java, Golkar deputy chairman Agung Laksono confirmed reports on Wednesday that the party had nominated some Cabinet ministers for the MPR in an attempt to boost Habibie's bid for the presidency.

Agung, who is also State Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, said he, State Minister of Public Housing Theo Sambuaga and Minister of Manpower Fahmi Idris were named for the legislative jobs. The other candidate is Marzuki Darusman, another Golkar deputy chairman widely known for his strong criticism against Habibie.

"Allegations that the plan is aimed at paving Habibie's way for presidency do not matter to us. It's not something unlawful or unconstitutional," Agung said after addressing a seminar.

The four Golkar executives will be nominated for the regional representatives faction in the MPR, Agung said. He said the ministers would have to resign if they joined the legislative body.

Another source told Kompas on Wednesday that Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita was also on the list of Golkar candidates for the MPR.

It was common during the New Order that Cabinet ministers were named MPR legislators.

Agung said if elected, he would be in charge of deliberation of draft decrees other than the state policy guidelines, Theo would deal with the state policy guidelines, Fahmi would be in charge of the presidential accountability speech, Marzuki in charge of amendments to the 1945 Constitution and Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung would concentrate on the presidential election.

Each of the country's 27 provinces will have five regional representatives, the selection of which will be carried out by the provincial legislature (DPRD I).

Agung said Golkar, which dominated the vote count in 14 provinces, would avoid dictating its provincial chapters in the selection of regional representatives.

"As long as the provincial legislatures are supportive, it's okay to see our top figures in Jakarta elected regional representatives. An Assembly legislator must be able to advocate the interests of whatever province he or she represents," Agung said. (45/amd)