Habibie marks 1st year in office

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie led two ceremonies on Friday to mark the end of his first year of rule, while his predecessor Soeharto marked the anniversary of his resignation by condemning the Time magazine for its report alleging he and his family had a US$15 billion fortune.

After Friday prayers at the Baiturrahim Mosque inside the State Palace compound, Habibie hosted an informal luncheon for his Cabinet members, Indonesian Military (TNI) top brass and senior government officials.

Habibie told his guests he wanted to share his happiness with them after the 8,764 hours since replacing Soeharto as the country's head of state on May 21 last year.

"The 8,764 hours is like 80,000 hours for me," the President said before cutting the tumpeng (traditional rice cone).

He said the country was facing disintegration threats when he came to power last year. He promised he would not let the country be torn apart like the former Soviet Union.

"All Indonesians will remain united as a nation and in a state from Sabang (in Aceh) to Merauke (in Irian Jaya)," said the President.

Habibie also used the opportunity to counter the statements of opposition leaders that his government was trying to maintain the status quo and halt the reform process, saying his critics did not understand the meaning of the word.

"Do not think that life is static. Therefore, those who say status quo do not understand its meaning," he asserted.

Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Amien Rais, National Awakening Party (PKB) founder Abdurrahman Wahid, and leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) Megawati Soekarnoputri agreed on Tuesday to form a coalition to overcome the "status quo force".

"There is no status quo in our life," he said.

Some of the hungry guests could not hide their feelings. Minister of Defense and Security Gen. Wiranto yawned, while Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas appeared to fall asleep as Habibie delivered his 15-minute speech.

"I do not mean to preach to you," Habibie told his guests.

The President presented the first serving to Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) and People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Harmoko, and then to his senior economic adviser Widjojo Nitisastro.

"The plate is too small," Habibie complained, and Harmoko nodded.

According to state protocol, the DPR/MPR speaker is the most senior state official after the president and vice president. The country currently does not have a vice president, as Habibie vacated the position in May to replace Soeharto.

He used his own hand to pick up a big chicken leg for Widjojo, whom he described as his most senior adviser, and who has accompanied him through difficult and pleasant times.

"I think Pak Harmoko needs one more leg," Habibie said as he gave it to Harmoko, who was still holding his plate.

Habibie was scheduled to release pigeons in the Palace grounds as a symbol of peace for the riot-torn country. However the plan was canceled because of his tight schedule.

Later in the evening, the first family hosted dinner for family friends at Habibie's private residence in Kuningan, South Jakarta.

As part of the commemoration, Palace officials distributed T- shirts, pins and stickers to State Secretariat officials and journalists. The T-shirt bears a slogan saying "The leader of today and tomorrow" next to Habibie's picture. While the pin contains Habibie's photo and a slogan saying "The leader of the future".

"We hope that you will be happy to use them," the officials told recipients.

The government issued a similar pin for "The father of development" for then president Soeharto in the early 1980s.

The state-run TVRI broadcast a recorded interview with the President by several senior journalists. Private TV stations were not obliged, as they were in the past, to relay the interview.

"The President talked for three hours and the TV editors should work hard to make it shorter," said his spokeswoman Dewi Fortuna Anwar on Thursday.

CNN was the first foreign TV station to interview Habibie soon after replacing Soeharto in May. On Saturday, the news service will again interview him about the completion of his first year in power. (prb)