ABRI's trust in Soeharto part of a 'strategic plan'

ABRI's trust in Soeharto part of a 'strategic plan'

JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) reaffirmed yesterday its
commitment to renominating President Soeharto even if there was a
change in its leadership.

ABRI spokesman Brig. Gen. A. Wahab Mokodongan said the Armed
Forces choice of Soeharto was part of its "strategic plan" to
help restore the ailing Indonesian economy.

"I can tell you that ABRI will not reverse its support for
President Soeharto's renomination even when the incumbent Armed
Forces chief is replaced," he told The Jakarta Post.

Wahab made the remarks in response to rumors that incumbent
ABRI Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung would be replaced soon. The
spokesman declined to comment on the speculation.

"Even if we have to have three successive ABRI chiefs ahead of
the general session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)
next month, which will elect the new president, we will not
change our choice," he said.

Wahab said any changes or adjustments to the plan would only
cause the Armed Forces headquarters difficulties in the future.
He did not elaborate.

He also dismissed speculation that he was among the ABRI
leaders likely to be replaced.

The 1,000-strong MPR will convene next month to elect a
president and vice president and endorse the 1998/2003 State
Policy Guidelines.

Constitutionally, the five factions in the MPR, including the
113-member Armed Forces faction, should announce their
presidential and vice presidential candidates in the general
assembly, scheduled for March 1 to March 11.

"The Armed Forces headquarters will formally announce its
presidential and vice presidential candidates at the end of this
month," Wahab said.

He said ABRI's decision to renominate Soeharto was made in the
belief that Soeharto would be able to overcome the current
economic crisis while the military was also aware of demands for
political reform.

"Political reform is needed to accelerate development to
improve prosperity... yet we believe restoring the country's
battered economy is more crucial now and should have top
priority.

"And ABRI still trusts President Soeharto to lead the
country."

He said he doubted critics who said the economy would improve
if Soeharto was replaced.

Wahab added the Armed Forces had discussed names for the vice
presidency but would support anyone that the president elect
picked.

"We will support Amien Rais if pak Harto eventually chooses
him for the post," he said.

He was referring to the outspoken Yogyakarta-based Moslem
leader, who is also chairman of the 28-million strong
Muhammadiyah Moslem organization.

Wahab denied reports that ABRI had publicly announced its vice
presidential candidates.

"We've never said that our candidates for the vice presidency
were incumbent Try Sutrisno or Army Chief of Staff Gen. Wiranto."

"One thing for sure is that our candidate will represent the
majority of people's aspirations," he added. (imn)