Hatta elected as chairman of PAN

Hatta Rajasa, coordinating minister for the economy, has been elected as the new chairman of National Mandate Party (PAN), the fifth largest party in the House of Representatives (DPR). He won after main contender Drajad Wibowo (an economist, campaigned for Kalla-Wiranto in 2009 election) pulled out from the race.

Hatta Rajasa replaced Soetrisno Bachir. Meanwhile, Amien Rais, the party's founder, is reelected chairman of PAN's advisory council. According to Amien, Drajad will automatically become vice chairman of PAN. "That's the deal last night," Amien told Detik.com.

Hatta is one of the trusted aides of President SBY. He played significant role in the establishment of SBY-Boediono's cabinet.

PAN has three cadres in the cabinet. Two others are Zulkifli Hasan (forestry affairs minister) and Patrialis Akbar (minister of law and human rights).

Hatta has been considered strongest candidate for PAN chairman, thanks to huge "logistic" support. He spent huge amount of money in advertising. Wonder who pays?

Hatta born in Palembang, South Sumatra in December 18, 1953. He was the secretary general of PAN in 2001-2005. Married to Oktiniwati Ulfa Dariah, Hatta is father of four. One of them is married to the granddaughter of Mooryati Soedibyo (owner of Mustika Ratu, cosmetic and herbal medicine producer).

Hatta graduated from Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). He worked for Medco Energy in 1980-1983 and president director of PT Arthindo in 1982-2000. Then president Megawati Soekarnoputri appointed Hatta as minister for research in 2001-2004. President SBY appointed Hatta as minister of transportation in 2004-2007, minister of state secretary in 2007-2009, and coordinating minister for the economy since October 2009.

Well, being political party chairman in Indonesia, you have to have strong "financial support" to run the party. Hatta hired Fox Indonesia, a political marketing agency, which also helped SBY-Boediono in 2009 election. Fox is closely linked to the Mallarangeng brothers and Bakrie Group.

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