Soeharto's resignation 'only way to save the state'<\/p>\n
SUMEDANG, West Java (JP): President B.J. Habibie described
\nyesterday the transfer of duty from Soeharto to him in May as a
\nhistoric milestone in the country's reform process to become a
\nmore democratic and open nation.<\/p>\n
At an induction of 611 graduates from the state-run Public
\nAdministration Institute (STPDN) here, Habibie noted that the old
\nsystem built by the New Order administration since 1966 was no
\nlonger able to accommodate people's aspiration or resolve the
\neconomic and political turmoil.<\/p>\n
\"In such a situation there was no other alternative for the
\npresident (Soeharto) to save the state and the nation but to
\ndeclare his resignation.<\/p>\n
\"The vice president (Habibie), as ruled in the 1945
\nConstitution, then replaced him as president,\" Habibie said.<\/p>\n
Habibie replaced Soeharto on May 21, after nationwide protests
\nand riots.<\/p>\n
Habibie called on the people yesterday to work hand in hand to
\nend the economic crisis.<\/p>\n
\"By doing that we can develop a more democratic, open and
\naccommodating government,\" the President noted.<\/p>\n
STPDN was designed to train future public administration
\nofficers, with most graduates working in the Ministry of Home
\nAffairs.<\/p>\n
According to state protocol, the President has the prerogative
\nto induct STPDN and Military Academy graduates.<\/p>\n
Yesterday evening, Habibie opened the first congress of the
\nIndonesian Television Journalists Association at the Bina Graha
\npresidential office.<\/p>\n
In his opening remarks, the President reminded the members of
\ntheir obligation to make objective and balanced reports.<\/p>\n
The President preceded his three-page speech with a one-hour
\noff-the-cuff commentary which he described as an \"introduction\".<\/p>\n
The ceremony was attended by about 200 journalists, and
\nleaders of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI).<\/p>\n
The Indonesian Television Journalists Association was formed
\nlast month and boasts a membership of 400. There are six
\ntelevision stations in Indonesia -- TPI, SCTV, RCTI, ANteve,
\nIndosiar and the state-owned TVRI.<\/p>\n
Habibie said television stations should not only undertake
\nhelpful criticism but also be ready to be criticized.<\/p>\n
\"If they are ready to criticize other people then they must
\nalso be willing to be the target of criticism,\" he noted.<\/p>\n
Habibie also gave a tip to TV station bosses on how to recruit
\njournalists.<\/p>\n
\"It is better to have lazy but smart staff, than diligent but
\nstupid employees because the more diligent the stupid staff are,
\nthe more mistakes are made,\" he said, bursting into laughter.
\n(prb\/43)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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