Shinta Shinaga, Jakarta – Although indistinct and only in the background, [former President] Suharto is appearing in a television advertisement by the National Functional Party of Concern (PKPB).

The advertisement opens with a student who is complaining about the high cost of education. Then PKPB general chairperson R. Hartono appears saying blah blah blah, whatever. But what Hartono says is not what is interesting.

Because it’s what is behind Hartono that really grabs the attention. A picture of Suharto’s face, smiling broadly, and larger than Hartono’s countenance.

Suharto’s appearance, although only a picture, is what is unnerving those who see the advertisement. Because to date, PKPB, which is listed as party number 14, usually “sells” [Suharto’s eldest daughter] Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana alias “Tutut” as its presidential candidate.

When you watch the advertisement the first time, it’s not unusual for PKPB advertisements because it starts with an attractive student being interviewed.

Perhaps that is the reason the advert is repeated and appears two times in succession. But that’s just the first part, what is astonishing is not the advertisement’s material, but the appearance of Suharto’s face in a picture.

So what we’re itching to know is what is the role of the New Order ruler in the PKPB. Let’s hope that he’s not… (sss)

[Translated by James Balowski.]