Anita Rachman, Ezra Sihite & Robertus Wardi – The beleaguered Democratic Party held a meeting on Tuesday after it became apparent that some party members were seeking to replace chairman Anas Urbaningrum, but attendees gave different takes on what was discussed.

"We were discussing our working program," said a Central Leadership Board member, Benny K. Harman. He added, however, that "termites and parasites, both internally and externally," were also discussed, signaling that threats to Anas's rule were brought up in the meeting. Benny said "political forces" were acting against party unity as the 2014 elections drew near.

On Monday, Ajeng Ratna Sumira, a member of the party's Board of Patrons, said there were "three or four names to replace Anas." She added that the party was preparing for the possibility of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) naming him a suspect.

Anas's name has been dragged into the Southeast Asian Games athletes' village graft case after he was accused by high-profile corruption suspect Muhammad Nazaruddin and a former employee, Yulianis, of receiving money to help his bid for the Democratic Party chairmanship in 2010.

Ajeng said that because of Anas's strong support at the grassroots level, the party would not remove him unless there was a change in his legal status that would indicate his guilt.

In his first public statement since details of his alleged involvement in the bribery scandal surfaced, Anas said on Tuesday that he had chosen to ignore speculation he would be replaced.

Asked to comment on Ajeng's remarks, Anas said the names "are rumors from outside." "The meeting was to discuss the party's work from each department and division," he said. "We are consolidating the party so that our programs go well."

Democratic Party spokeswoman Andi Nurpati said supporters of the party were still behind Anas's chairmanship. "There are [informal] talks, but no official position [from officials]," she said when asked if there werew party members angling to replace Anas.

Sources within the party pointed to Djoko Suyanto, coordinating minister for political, legal and defense affairs, as a prospective candidate. Other contenders include Transportation Minister E.E. Mangindaan, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Syarif Hasan and party secretary general Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono.

Edhie was quick to distance himself from the rumor, saying, "In the executive board, there is no information on a replacement or other related things."

On Tuesday, Mangindaan said the party "is united [behind Anas]. Anas is performing well. Let's wait for the legal process."

The party's Honors Council secretary, Amir Syamsuddin, said Anas owed the public an explanation about the case. "If he stays quiet, then the case will become more complicated and impact other matters," he said.

Amir, also the nation's justice minister, said the party would not interfere in the investigation. "Don't politicize a legal process," he said. "I don't believe the KPK will hesitate to unravel the case."

[Additional reporting from Suara Pembaruan.]