Jakarta – The alliance between the puppet Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) lead by Soerjadi and those who have so far supported them, the government, has already split. This is indicated by the possibility that the PDI will withdraw all of its legislators from the parliament for the period 1997-2002 because they are deeply disappointed. The puppet PDI is also considering the possibility of not endorsing the results of the 1997 elections.
This new maneuver by the puppet PDI has surprised many and was taken up by leaders who felt disappointed with the votes the PDI obtained in the elections. The votes obtained by the puppet PDI since the mass campaign continue to be upset by activists and supporters of the pro-Megawati PDI, is obviously are not in accord with what had already been promised by the government to the puppet PDI who succeeded in ousting Megawati through the Medan congress. Apparently, Major General Syarwan Hamid promised to secure seats in the parliament for the PDI. It is said that Soerjadi held Syarwan's promise as vow of blood/death (janji mati).
Speculation of the withdrawal of the PDI from the ranks of the parliament are linked with the emergence of disappointment in the ranks of the PDI central leadership that clearly, what was prioritised by Soerjadi, the promise of seats was not certain. Another source said that the puppet PDI felt offended by the statement by the Golkar leader Agung Laksono who said "...we are prepared to give a part of our votes to the PDI". Agung's statement has apparently angered the puppet PDI figures, including Buttu Hutapea [who played a major role in engineering the Medan congress and the ousting of Megawati Sukarnoputri – JB]. There is also speculation that the step to withdrawal the PDI from the parliament is a new maneuver by the puppet PDI to regain sympathy from society. Especially after the government no longer gave support and 100% protection to Soerjadi's leadership.
A SiaR source said that the Minister of Home Affairs, Yogi S Mamet was able to profit from the speculation which was spread by the media today. A "government team" has now been delegated to lobby the puppet PDI group which is sulking. The results are not known. What is clear, is that the experience of the puppet PDI split has resulted in many people who have already given service [to Soerjadi's PDI] but will not get a new seat [in parliament] will determine their official position on Tuesday (3/6) this afternoon. At the time this report went to print, SiaR has not yet heard any news.
From the results of vote counting by LPU up until June 2, the puppet PDI had only obtained 10 seats in parliament representing eight provinces. The minimal vote obtained, according to a number of parties, will have an impact on the parliament. All groupings are proposing that the government carry out a reevaluation of the PDI. On the other hand, there are those who propose that it is best if the PDI just dissolves itself. "Aside from not representing the broader aspirations of Indonesian society it also only confuses the system of state regulations which we adhere to" said a legal expert on state regulations from the University of Indonesia.
[Translated by James Balowski]