First Lady's seat to remain vacant

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has decided that the position of first lady will not be filled by any of his daughters, after it became vacant following last month's death of Mrs. Tien Soeharto, Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said yesterday.

"The President truly appreciates the various views and suggestions made by members of the public about the position of the first lady. But he has made up his mind," Moerdiono said.

Many politicians and several organizations have suggested that Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, the President's eldest daughter, be elevated to become the Ibu Negara (State Mother), the Indonesian phrase for first lady, to accompany the head of state at various state occasions. They argued that Mbak Tutut, as she is popularly known, has already proven herself as a capable statesperson through her various charitable activities.

When receiving state guests or when making foreign visits, the President should ideally be accompanied by someone, so their argument goes. With the passing of Mrs. Tien, that position should be filled in by one of his daughters.

Moerdiono pointed out that in terms of state protocol, which regulates where the wives of senior government officials stand or sit at state functions, the position of the first lady could only be filled in by the wife of the President.

However, this does not preclude the possibility of one of his daughters accompanying him at state functions, including during visits out of town or abroad, Moerdiono said. "But their presence will be strictly as the President's offspring."

"I don't think anyone could fill the position of the first lady. I think this decision is right. We all want to cherish our memories of Ibu (Mrs.) Tien."

Mrs. Tien, who died on April 28 in Jakarta at the age of 72, was popular for her various charitable works and for her patronage of the nation's art and cultural world. (emb)