First Lady's seat to remain vacant

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)