Cabinet ministers bid farewell
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto hosted a farewell reception for the sixth development cabinet at the Merdeka Palace yesterday, thanking them for their hard work over the last five years.
The atmosphere was buoyant with many of the ministers, more accustomed to wrestling with the nation's problems, smiled and laughed as they enjoyed lighter moments with their colleagues, the President and Vice President Try Sutrisno.
Several ministers talked to the press about their thoughts and experiences as presidential aides and some even expressed hopes for the next cabinet.
Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad: As Minister of Finance I must always look fresh. Can you imagine the impact on our rupiah if I came out of the office one day looking run-down and exhausted?
State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja: After he had described the adversity and challenges of life in the cabinet, a reporter pressed him reveal what the advantages of being a minister are. After a slight pause, Sarwono cheekily jibed that "as a minister it's easier for me to park my car in public places".
State Minister of Administrative Reforms T.B. Silalahi: "Ha! ha! ha!" was his only response when asked about his experience in the cabinet.
State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman: I learned much from the President. The most important thing I learned is how to be optimistic. Pak Harto taught me about the importance of optimism when facing difficult situations.
Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunication Joop Ave: Now I feel relieved. This was a heavy task. It's not easy having to create job opportunities.
Every second, minute, hour and day, a minister should not forget that every decision taken affects the people and the nation a great deal.
State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita: This cabinet faced a much more complicated situation than previous cabinets. The foreign and domestic situation has changed and this in turn changes the cabinet's task. People have become more and more critical.
A minister is the President's aide. He or she must sincerely assist the President, and must not think about their own interests.
Minister of Public Works Radinal Moochtar: The ministers all worked well together and we had a good team, we supported each other.
We are now facing more complicated challenges due to rising expectations in the government.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas (He has been in the post since 1988): I must prepare everything for my successor. I think it is an obligation for a cabinet member to leave a strong foundation for successors, especially regarding unresolved problems.
Minister of Industry and Trade Tunky Ariwibowo(served two terms as minister): We are demanded to work and think accurately and not simplify the problems which we must resolve.
Minister Security and Defense Edi Sudradjat: We had a lot of experiences and a lot of problems. The President's leadership was extraordinary. His instructions to ministers were always clear.
State Minister of Research and B.J. Habibie (Longest serving minister, having been in the cabinet since 1978): We are always facing challenges. We must always remain alert, we must be proactive and reactive especially in this era of globalization. (prb)