Comments on the cabinet changes

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto's surprise decision yesterday to make changes to his cabinet was greeted warmly by those affected.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. R. Hartono will become the minister of information next week, replacing Harmoko who has been given the new post of state minister for special assignments. Lt. Gen. Wiranto will replace Hartono as the Army chief of staff.

"Praise Allah that President Soeharto has entrusted me to lead the Ministry of Information," Gen. R. Hartono said yesterday.

After Friday prayers at the Army headquarters, Hartono told reporters that his new assignment as a minister was an honor.

"I immediately prostrated in gratitude to Allah for the promotion," he said.

When asked whether the move was good for him, the 1962 graduate of the National Military Academy said it was beyond his authority to say.

"It is the President's prerogative based on his personal evaluation," he said.

Hartono said he found out about his appointment from the journalists who had sought his confirmation. He admitted that he had no idea what his specific tasks would be.

When reminded of his visit to Soeharto Thursday, Hartono said it had had nothing to do with his appointment.

"I met the President to talk about my duty as the Army Chief of Staff. He did not tell me about this assignment then," he said.

The four-star Army general denied speculation that his new post meant that an even greater state task was in store. "I'm not going to comment on that speculation," he said.

Despite knowing little about his new job, Hartono promised to try hard not to revoke any publishing licenses.

"I hope there will be no more banning of Indonesian publications," he said.

But he said he would strictly implement the press law and its supporting regulations.

The next Army chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Wiranto, also called his appointment an honor.

Wiranto, the incumbent commander of the Army Strategic Reserves Command, said: "It is such an honor for a soldier like me to have been given a greater task in the Armed Forces."

"I praise God for this new assignment," he said.

The three-star general said that he would do his best to shoulder the President's trust.

"I'll be very happy if I can perform the task successfully," he said.

He promised to continue the policy and strategies of his predecessor and work hard to maintain the Army's solid reputation.

Wiranto said he was grateful to any individuals and parties, who had helped shape his personality, influenced his attitude and military views and taught him.

"I thank my wife and my family, fellow military friends and also my seniors," he said.

Harmoko, who has been minister of information for three consecutive five-year terms, said he was not surprised by the change.

"I am not surprised because I had been informed of my new assignment," Harmoko told reporters at Golkar's headquarters.

Harmoko, also chairman of the ruling Golkar, speculated that his new post had been created because the President believed it was needed to anticipate future challenges.

"As one of the President's aides, I will always be ready for any assignment," he said.

Harmoko denied that his appointment as state minister for special assignments had anything to do with his leadership in Golkar's landslide general election win.

"I don't think that President Soeharto gave the new assignment in exchange for Golkar's election victory," he said.

He also denied speculation that he would become the next vice president.

Asked whether he would still have time for Golkar given his future tasks, Harmoko said he would always spare time for the party. (imn)