Office of state advisor Somohardjo cleared out

door

The office of state advisor Paul Somohardjo at the Ministry of Home Affairs was cleared without prior consultation. The Pertjajah Luhur (PL) party has expressed shock at this action, calling it a breach of basic decency. The party learned through the media that the VHP and ABOP leadership had approved a new minister and deputy minister for Home Affairs.
PL vice-chair Bronto Somohardjo stated that he has never encountered such a situation before. Even when former president Desi Bouterse terminated the coalition between the NDP and PL, the PL leadership was formally informed of the cabinet reshuffle. Bronto Somohardjo expressed anger, questioning whether President Chan Santokhi is mindful of the feelings of PL supporters.
The clearing of Paul Somohardjo’s office was expedited, as the new leadership was set to assume office on Sunday, December 1. Speaking to LIM FM, the PL vice-chair announced that the party is deliberating its next steps.He refrained from explicitly stating whether the PL would leave the coalition, saying, “Every stakeholder will be informed of our decision. We will not behave in the same manner as the president.”
Bronto Somohardjo described the situation as disappointing, criticizing the president’s conduct as unbecoming of a statesman. He also questioned the president’s reliability following these events. Furthermore, he called on the public to observe Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk’s response, asserting that Brunswijk is acting “like a victim.”
The future of TCT minister Uraiqit Ramsaran remains uncertain. “Perhaps he too will be dismissed tomorrow,” Somohardjo remarked. For now, the PL is focusing on its party activities. He emphasized that the party’s growth is not contingent on the next six months, as the groundwork was laid 4.5 years ago.