Cabinet ministers bid farewell

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)