Slamet Susanto, Yogyakarta – Veteran politician and former Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung will consider running for the 2009 presidential election through a party convention if this is held in an open and transparent manner.

"The Golkar convention held in the past has improved the party's image. This was proven by Golkar's vote," he said. "But I cannot say anything right now."

Akbar was speaking after receiving a doctorate in political science Saturday at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta.

Golkar organized a party convention to nominate its presidential candidate prior to the 2004 election in a manner similar to that employed in the US. Akbar lost the convention to former military chief Wiranto, who failed to make it into the second round of the presidential election.

When asked if any parties other than Golkar were interested in nominating him at their conventions, Akbar said he would not change course.

"I am still in the Golkar Party although I am no longer on the executive board. I always think of Golkar," he said. "I have nothing to say about other parties."

Akbar said he would focus on two things after earning his doctoral degree – developing the Akbar Tandjung Institute and leading a mass organization to "foster greater nationalism."

As for the current administration, Akbar said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla had yet to do their utmost in running the country.

"The President is not involved in his party's (the Democratic Party) activities while Kalla is Golkar Party chairman," he said. This was something that could not be changed, but Kalla could delegate some of his duties to other party leaders.

The current situation also posed a dilemma for Golkar, Akbar said. "If the government is successful, it is the Yudhoyono administration that will get the credit. There is no guarantee that Golkar will obtain direct political gain. On the other hand, if the government fails, there is the possibility that Golkar will feel the impact."

Akbar suggested that all policies to be adopted in the future should be based on long-term considerations, while taking into account all the implications. "This way, any decision taken will not give rise to a dilemma, like the one we face now."

Akbar defended his thesis, titled Golkar dalam Pergolakan Politik Era Reformasi Tantangan dan Respon (Golkar in the Reform Era Political Turmoil, Challenges and Responses). He was awarded a cum laude citation.

Akbar said in his thesis that the current Golkar leadership was not being responsive to the people's aspirations, which ran contradictory to its slogan, "Fast action for the people". "The Golkar Party needs a visionary and democratic leadership that can bring hope to its members," he said.