The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) looks set to continue in its role as the opposition to the government, while Golkar's future will be determined by the choice for its next chairman.
"At our last national meeting, most regional representatives wanted the party to remain in the opposition," PDI-P legislator Panda Nababan said Thursday in Jakarta.
He added the PDI-P would make its final decision on the party's next national meeting, to be held before the presidential inauguration in October.
Panda pointed out that for the last five years, the party had played an important role in the opposition, saying it criticized government policies while offering solutions.
As the opposition, the PDI-P does not allow members to serve in the Cabinet, but allows them to be appointed ambassadors and executives at state-owned enterprises.
"We also agree not to bring down the President, as long as he upholds the Constitution," he said.
Yudhi Chrisnandi, one of the contenders for Golkar's top post, said the choice of chairman was crucial.
"The chairman has very strong control over party members," he said.
"Golkar legislators' actions must have the chairman's approval."
He added younger party members, like himself, would like to see the party join the opposition and fight for populist issues.
"The party needs to reform and change its image of being a government party," Yudhi said.
"I believe we must be the opposition or risk losing more support.
"If I become chairman, we'll definitely be the opposition," he added.
"If *chief welfare minister* Aburizal Bakrie becomes chairman, the party will join President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's coalition.
"I'm not sure which way the party will lean if *media magnate* Surya Paloh becomes chairman."
Muhammadiyah chairman Din Syamsudin, however, called out Golkar's opposition pretensions.
"I don't think it's ready to be in the opposition, since the party's desire to be part of the government is overwhelming," he said.
He added he would like to see both Golkar and the PDI-P in the opposition. (mrs)
