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)