Jakarta – A group of 50 retired military officials, former prosecutors and businessmen yesterday joined the popular faction of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) led by Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Megawati, accompanied by several of her key aides, presided over a ceremony to install the prominent figures as new PDI members at the party headquarters in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta. During the ceremony, she handed out PDI jackets, caps and membership cards to the new members, who are the latest in a long list of notable personalities flocking to the party.

Former police chiefs Sidarta Danusubroto, Sucipto and Hartoyo, all retired major generals, were among the newly-inaugurated PDI members. Other former policemen joining the party were retired brigadier generals Sukardjo Ismono and Tjuju Sumirat, as well as four retired colonels: Mochammad Sudarto, Martoyo, Hadi Susanto, Aksin Suwarno and Albert Lasy. Also taking the oath of loyalty to the PDI were retired Lieutenant Colonel A. Steendam, former Military Police official P. Sugeng, and ex-Navy officer Sunardi.

Nineteen former attorneys joining the PDI included Mustafa Djuang Harahap, Adam Nasution, Alfian Husin, Amir Effendi Hutapea, Dasuki Sastroatmodjo, Togatorup and Rustam Bachtiar. Also entering the party were 16 lawyers and human rights activists, including Max Yunus Lamuda, Petrus Salestinus, Didi Suprianto, Robert B. Keytimu, Liberti Sianturi, Benny K. Harman and Salmon Ginting.

Among the businessmen and professionals declaring their loyalty to Megawati were Tjahyo Kumolo, Nur Arifin Ntoma, T.S. Bunanta, Chriz Rizal, Robby Tandaki, Djoni Wibowo and I. Gusti Bagus Cakrawibawa.

It was the third time a large group of retired military officers, lawyers and businessmen had switched allegiance to Megawati, whose popularity has soared since the May 21 downfall of autocratic president Soeharto. Although Megawati believes the retired generals will be loyal to the PDI's ideals, some analysts fear they could negatively influence the party's commitment to democracy, human rights and law enforcement.

Retired Major General Theo Syafe'i, current deputy chairman of the PDI, said he joined Megawati's party because he sympathized with her struggle for greater democracy. He also joined the PDI to protest against the Soeharto regime's callous treatment of Megawati and her supporters.