Habibie enjoys music on a day of peace
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)