We won't interfere: Harmoko

JAKARTA (JP): Golkar Chairman Harmoko vowed yesterday that the ruling political organization would stay out of the upcoming chairmanship election of the 28 million-strong Islamic organization Muhammadiyah.

Harmoko denied suggestions that Golkar was pushing for the candidacy of one of its top figures.

"Golkar will not interfere in the internal affairs of Muhammadiyah," Harmoko told reporters. He was speaking after installing new officials in his official capacity as Minister of Information at his office.

With less than a month before the congress of Muhammadiyah, the reformist Moslem organization, speculation regarding the elections to the chairmanship is rife. The current chairman is Amien Rais.

In the aftermath of the government's attempt, and failure, to influence the elections of the other massive Islamic organization, Nahdlatul Ulama, last December, some analysts are speculating that the government will try its luck with Muhammadiyah.

Acknowledging that several Golkar cadres currently held executive positions in Muhammadiyah, Harmoko stressed that the ruling group would leave the election process to Muhammadiyah.

"Organizationally, Golkar does not want to interfere. They (the cadres) are free to move forward (to the chairmanship) as long as they do so in accordance with the constitution and rules of Muhammadiyah," he said.

The congress will be held in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province, between July 6 and July 10. President Soeharto has agreed to open the proceedings and Vice President Try Sutrisno will attend the closing ceremony.

Harmoko refused to comment on rumors that Din Syamsudin, head of Golkar's research and development division, was the government's or Golkar's candidate. "I think it would be unethical to answer your questions now," he said, adding that the candidacy was Muhammadiyah's prerogative.

Harmoko said Golkar was a large organization which had cadres everywhere; "even in the rickshaw drivers' association," he added.

He said it was just a reality that many people chose to channel their political aspirations through Golkar, as was the case with Golkar cadres in Muhammadiyah.

Separately, Din Syamsudin denied yesterday that he was seeking nomination for the Muhammadiyah chairmanship, saying that there were other more senior and capable figures for the job.

"It is not true that Golkar, the government or the Armed Forces are supporting my candidacy," he said as quoted by Antara.

Discussing his hopes for the congress, Harmoko said he would like to see Muhammadiyah concentrate on developing programs for the coming five to 10 years in order to increase professionalism.

He also called on Muhammadiyah to enhance social solidarity.

"In the age of globalization, there is a tendency for social solidarity to wane," the minister said.

Harmoko has also been listed in the tentative congress schedule among top government officials who will address the Banda Aceh congress. Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung is also on the list.

Earlier yesterday, Vice President Try Sutrisno told Muhammadiyah's central executive board that he hoped the congress would avoid blowing up minor and peripheral issues into major ones.

According to Muhammadiyah chairman Amien Rais, who paid a courtesy call on Try yesterday, the vice president also called for the organization to promote the concepts of nationhood and Islam.

"According to Pak (Mr.) Try, the concepts of Islam and nationhood are mutually supporting, so it is strange if some people argue that the two are in conflict," Amien said.

Meanwhile, the Study and Communication Forum of the Muhammadiyah Alumni Association, in a statement yesterday, declared their support for the nomination of H.S. Prodjokoesoemo for chairman.

The 70-year-old retired Colonel has served as vice chairman and is currently treasurer of Muhammadiyah.(mds)