Habibie enjoys music on a day of peace
JAKARTA (JP): After a string of hectic days clouded by reports of a purported presidential conversation with his aide, President B.J. Habibie spent the weekend enjoying a musical show and giving advice on patience and self-control.
The show was organized by the Center for Information and Development Studies to commemorate its sixth anniversary.
The center is the think tank of the Association of Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals, which Habibie once chaired.
Earlier in the day, Habibie took a moment to urge women to promote patience in a restless society. He was addressing a gathering for the 18th anniversary of the Communication Forum of Muslim Women's Koran Reciting Councils in Senayan, Central Jakarta.
"A gentle way of speaking can be very helpful in calming nervous people, particularly husbands and children," he told the women led by State Minister of Women Affairs Tutty Alawiyah, who entertained Habibie and First Lady Hasri Ainun Habibie with songs and dances.
At the opening of the Islamic Propagation Council (MDI) congress at the State Palace, the President warned people to have strong self-control and not be made a slave of their anger.
"Hatred against someone should not be expressed without limits, which eventually will damage the life of the nation," the President said.
Habibie smiled when MDI chairman Chalid Mawardi told him the organization would remain loyal to Golkar and will work hard for Golkar's victory in the general election in June.
"For MDI, Golkar's victory in a just and fair election will be a guarantee for the continuation of constitutional and democratic reform," Chalid said. Such praise for Golkar has been rarely heard since Habibie replaced president Soeharto in May. Both were Golkar executives.
Progress
Chalid further cited some examples on progress achieved by Habibie's cabinet.
"The clear vision of the Development Reform Cabinet to build a nation based on law supremacy, supported by moral commitment to enforce honesty and justice, and firmness of law enforcers to eradicate crimes, has played a very big role in creating a normal national life," the former envoy to Syria said.
A protocol official had told MDI members there would be no time to shake hands with the President, but it turned out they were given the honor.
Habibie also met with a youth organization describing him as the nation's best son.
Executives of AMPI, a youth organization affiliated with Golkar, also reaffirmed their support to Habibie and said they would support his nomination for the presidency.
"Pak Habibie is the country's and Golkar's best son," AMPI chairman Agus Gumiwang Ginandjar said after the meeting.
He is the son of Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita. (prb)