Golkar offers apology for sex video scandal
Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, lang

Golkar, the nation's biggest political party, apologized Sunday for the steamy sex video showing one of its senior members cavorting with a naked singer. The footage has sparked a public uproar.

"Many things have hit Golkar lately. There were weaknesses. There were mistakes made. Therefore, the party's central board apologizes to all for the embarrassment," said Golkar chair Jusuf Kalla, who is also Indonesia's Vice President.

The statement drew applause from party leaders and supporters at a ceremony in Malang, East Java, marking Golkar's 42nd anniversary.

Kalla was clearly referring to senior Golkar lawmaker Yahya Zaini, who was caught with dangdut singer Maria Eva on footage shot on her mobile phone camera.

The sex video spread across the country, and Yahya had to resign both from the House of Representatives and from his position as Golkar's head of religious affairs.

"Our party member has shown his broad-mindedness by resigning from the Golkar central board and the House," Kalla said.

"Such a sense of responsibility should become a precedent for all of us. It is an example for us all. Dare to do, dare to take responsibility for it," he added.

Both Yahya and Eva are facing a criminal investigation over allegations he forced her to have an abortion in April.

Abortion is illegal in Indonesia unless the pregnancy endangers the mother's life or the baby is believed to have a serious disability.

Maria, also a Golkar activist, has confessed to her involvement in the video scandal.

Kalla said Yahya's actions tarnished the image of Golkar, which was the political vehicle of former dictator Soeharto for 32 years until his downfall in 1998.

Kalla asked all sides to forgive Yahya for his mistakes.

"It is hoped that the case and the measures taken by Golkar will become a lesson for other political groups in the country," the Vice President said.

He also called on members of the legislature and government to show that they are "honest and objective leaders" fighting for the interests of the people.

"All elements in the legislative and executive bodies must be useful for the nation's progress. And to make this a reality requires sincerity and hard work," Kalla added.

Among those attending the anniversary celebration were Golkar deputy chairman and House Speaker Agung Laksono, and party advisor Aburizal Bakrie, who is also the minister of welfare.