Devi Asmarani, Jakarta – After five years in political hibernation, old forces from former president Suharto's New Order regime are re-emerging in politics.

The strongest indication of this is the comeback of none other than his eldest daughter, Ms Siti 'Tutut' Hardijanti Rukmana.

Once groomed to replace him, the 54-year-old had been largely out of the public eye following Suharto's fall in 1998.

But her confidant and former army chief Hartono announced last week she was likely to run for his new party, the Concern for the Nation Functional Party (PKPB), in the presidential election next year.

Despite the party's small size and recent formation, the move has caused quite a stir. Observers said she could appeal to the millions of Indonesians disenchanted by the current political leadership. Her return to the political stage could fill the sindrom amat rindu Suharto, or Sars in short. It means a longing for the Suharto era.

Political analyst Sukardi Rinakit said: "People only care about the price of rice, the cost of education and health care and job opportunities. Under Suharto, this was not a problem, but Megawati has not been able to keep the prices down and to provide enough jobs." Tutut provides hope for political and social stability and prosperity to the people suffering from "Sars", he said.

She has a temperament which goes down well with the people. Unlike President Megawati Sukarnoputri, who is media shy but can be biting in her comments, the soft-spoken Tutut typifies the Javanese non-confrontational approach – never offend or humiliate anyone in public, always speak humbly of yourself and know your place in society.

When she was the minister of social affairs in her father's last Cabinet, she issued coupons for the poor to get free food at food stalls across the country.

There has been talk that former defence minister Wiranto would join her or make her a running mate in the next election.

The Wiranto-Tutut team may pose a challenge to other presidential candidates, such as incumbent Megawati, Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung and National Assembly Speaker Amien Rais.

They [may] have to rethink their campaign strategy and find a running mate who can beat the Tutut team in terms of support, analysts said.

Reminding the people of the corruption, human rights and power abuses during the New Order era is not likely to work, as those practices are apparently still around. Mr Sukardi said: "Our people have short-term memories. Now they can only recall good things from that era."