Gus Dur's family apologizes to the nation

Gus Dur's family apologizes to the nation

JAKARTA (JP): One day before Abdurrahman Wahid was to vacate
the presidential palace and depart to the United States for
"health reasons", his family thanked the nation and apologized
for any errors they might have committed during the former
president's 21-month tenure.

The remarks were personally delivered by Abdurrahman's second
daughter Yeni, who spoke to journalists on behalf of the former
first family.

Attired all in black with a matching black shawl, Yeni, whose
full name is Zanubba Arifah Chafsoh, described herself as a
family representative. She said she wanted to thank "all the
groups who have given their support in these two years, and
apologize if our family made mistakes".

She said the family felt profound encouragement and was moved
by the continuing flow of sympathy they had received from the
public following Abdurrahman's removal on Monday.

Despite his downfall, Yeni said she remained proud of her
father's vision and political courage. She said her father would
continue his struggle in serving the nation.

Yeni also sent a personal family message to newly appointed
President Megawati Soekarnoputri, a long-time friend turned
political foe of Abdurrahman.

"I pray for Mbak (sister) Mega in leading this country, that
she can easily resolve the nation's problems," Yeni remarked.

This was first official public comment from Abdurrahman's
family since he was removed from the presidency.

The usually outspoken Abdurrahman, who in the past needed no
encouragement to speak out, has been uncharacteristically quiet
since a failed attempt to suspend the People's Consultative
Assembly in the early hours of Monday morning.

While Yeni took a conciliatory tone, her father sent out
conflicting messages during separate meetings on Wednesday.

After meeting with Abdurrahman, Roeslan Abdulgani said the
former president sent his best wishes to Megawati.

"Gus Dur hopes President Megawati succeeds in restoring the
situation to a good way," Roeslan, who served as foreign minister
in the mid-1950s, was quoted as saying by Antara.

In an interview with AP Television, however, Abdurrahman was
defiant and lashed out at his former deputy.

"I will not issue any advice to Megawati. The ouster is
illegal and I will have nothing to do with it... she doesn't put
the interests of the nation and the country above her own,"
Abdurrahman said.

Depart

Abdurrahman is expected to leave Merdeka Palace, the official
presidential residence, on Thursday.

He is expected to travel directly to the United States for a
medical checkup.

"Tomorrow at 4 p.m., Gus Dur will leave the palace and head
off to America," outgoing Minister of Justice and Human Rights
Mahfud M.D. said after visiting the former president at Merdeka
Palace.

Presidential protocol bureau chief Wahyu Muryadi said
Abdurrahman, his wife Sinta Nuriyah, their four daughters, eldest
daughter Lisa Abdurrahman's husband Erman and the couple's two-
month-old son would all travel to the U.S.

The family plans to stay about one week in Baltimore, where
Abdurrahman is expected to undergo his third checkup at John
Hopkins Hospital.

Unlike the previous visits, this time they will travel on
commercial flights.

Wahyu said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz was
among the prominent Americans who had encouraged Abdurrahman to
have a checkup at the hospital.

"Not only Mr. Wolfowitz, many other Americans also want Gus
Dur to visit them," Wahyu told The Jakarta Post when asked about
the former U.S. ambassador to Indonesia.

A member of Abdurrahman's medical team, neurologist Yusuf
Misbach, indicated that the nearly blind Abdurrahman was facing
the same health problems he had before becoming president in
October 1999.

"The evaluation of his health shows there are increasing risks
of a relapse of the health problem he suffered before," Yusuf
said, referring to the two strokes Abdurrahman suffered.

Friends and aides, including Mahfud, who have visited
Abdurrahman described him as being in excellent health and still
with his sense of humor.

The former first family also received leaders of major
religions, who expressed their moral support. Before departing on
Thursday, Abdurrahman is expected to address his supporters at
the National Monument square. (prb)