© twitter/@fadlizon
Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) is preparing a penalty for their deputy chairman Arief Poyuono. The sanction is a follow-up for Arief regarding his statement to Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) which had been considered as an insult to its cadres.
Gerindra executive Fadli Zon said that what Arief said was a personal statement and did not reflect the party's view. He considered Arief's accusation to have crossed the line.
Fadli convinced that Gerindra and other parties are partners in democracy even when they are competing electorally.
"Gerindra always respects and tries to maintain good relationship with all political parties," wrote Fadli in a written statement, Wednesday.
This case, according to Fadli, has been discussed with Gerindra Party Chairman Prabowo Subianto who asked the dispute to be clarified.
"We also deeply regret Arief's statement. The party will reprimand him on this matter. He must take responsibility for his remark," said Fadli.
However, he did not specify what sanctions or liabilities the Party is seeking against Arief.
Arief Poyuono has also been reported to police by Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle's wing organization, Democratic Struggle Volunteers (Repdem) for alleged insult.
In his written statement in a number of media, Arief said it is fair to associate PDI-P with Indonesian Communist Party (PKI). The statement was launched regarding PDI-P Secretary General Hasto Kristyanto's attitude on presidential threshold which he considered it as anti-criticism.
On Monday, Arief had apologized to the Chairman of PDI-P, Megawati Soekarnoputri and the whole cadres in a stamped written statement and East Java Repdem Chairman, Abdi Edison said they have forgiven Arief.
"But, we're taking a legal course since it already concerns the name of the party institution," he said.
(brl/red)
