We won't interfere: Harmoko

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)