Gus Dur keeps matters casual on first day

JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid, in addition to tackling the country's economic and social troubles, must also take on the daunting challenge of conforming to state protocol.

But he may be intent on relaxing some of the rules.

Renowned for his warm and familiar manner, the President appears confirmed in receiving guests in his bare feet and chatting informally with them despite the trappings of his new status.

"He has asked us to maintain our regular manner and told us he prefers to be called Gus or Mas, instead of Mr. President. In short, he wants to stay the way he is," said the deputy chairman of the Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Mustofa Bisri, after meeting with Abdurrahman at the State Guest House on Thursday.

Mustofa and a group of NU clerics paid a courtesy call on the President, whose term as chairman of the country's largest Muslim organization will officially end next month. The delegation congratulated Abdurrahman, better known as Gus Dur, for his election as the country's fourth president on Wednesday.

Among Abdurrahman's first guests was the NU's lawmaking body chief Ilyas Rukhiyat, vice chairman Said Agil Siradj, NU Rembang chief Sahal, NU East Java chief Imron Hamzah and National Awakening Party (PKB) deputy chairman Alwi Shihab.

Abdurrahman followed a long family tradition in leading NU, which was founded by his grandfather Hasyim Ashari in 1926.

"I jokingly told him I felt strange in the new atmosphere. It took us a long time before we could meet him. Fortunately, I could see him in my sandals. Otherwise, I would have protested since the President was in his bare feet," Mustofa said.

Alwi said Abdurrahman remained his sincere, down-to-earth self.

"He doesn't like people to call him Mr. President, but Gus Dur. He also would prefer to stay at his residence in Ciganjur, but for security reasons he must temporarily reside at the State Guest House."

Mustofa reminded Ilyas, who is Abdurrahman's uncle, to be respectful of Abdurrahman's new status. "I told his uncle to avoid using ngoko (informal Javanese)."

The clerics told the President that his new post was not a gift but a mandate from the people.

They also offered the President a helping hand in discussing the lineup of his Cabinet.

"The President pledged to select the right people for the right jobs. It doesn't matter whether they are from NU or not," Mustofa said.

Abdurrahman also met U.S. Ambassador-designate Robert Gelbart as the first foreign representative to congratulate him in person on his election.

Gelbart told Abdurrahman that the U.S. government pledged to support Indonesia's efforts to retain its territorial integrity.

He also extended President Bill Clinton's congratulations.

Gelbart, who assumed his duties two weeks ago, strongly denied allegations that the U.S. wanted the disintegration of Indonesia.

"The interest of the U.S. is to support the territorial integrity in this country, not to see it in pieces. We want to see a strong, united Indonesia."

Gelbart praised the democratic process of the election.

"Indonesia has become the third largest democratic country in the world, with President Abdurrahman Wahid as the symbol of the democracy."

He said the U.S. wished to help the country's economic recovery.

"I also offered support from the U.S. government and the U.S. people to help Indonesia, the people and the government, in the coming days, weeks and years in building a strong market-oriented economy and strong prosperity.

"I believe President Abdurrahman Wahid will communicate with President Clinton soon." (02)