Habibie promises 'gradual reform'

Habibie promises 'gradual reform'

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie outlined last night in
his inaugural televised address his intention to execute "gradual
and constitutional reform" and implement the IMF economic
programs.

In his first address to the nation since being sworn in as
president in a hasty ceremony earlier in the morning, Habibie
called on the people to rally behind him and promised "to remain
open to all input and criticism from the people to hasten the
reform process".

In an apparent acknowledgment of widespread student protests,
Habibie described the student's struggle as "a breath of fresh
air" and that he had "grasped" these aspirations.

"Let us end these divisions between us so that the limited
time we have can be used effectively to resolve the crisis we
face," he said in a seven-minute speech.

But he failed to elaborate on the kind of cabinet to be formed
to implement these reforms claiming only that it would be a
professional one characterized by dedication and integrity.

Habibie, who sat behind a desk with a name plate in front of
him reading "President R.I.", specified three areas of reform the
cabinet would tackle.

In the political arena, the cabinet is to revise laws to
upgrade political vitality, with particular attention paid to
electoral laws.

Legal reform will take the shape of revision of the Subversion
Law and Habibie said he would focus economic reforms on
"expediting laws which eliminate monopolies and unhealthy
competition".

The full cabinet lineup is expected to be announced this
morning.

As if knowing that the eyes of the world are upon him, Habibie
made specific reference to the agreement made with the IMF for a
US$43 billion bailout package.

"The government will implement all commitments agreed with
foreign parties, specifically in implementing the economic reform
programs agreed upon with the IMF," he said. "The government will
continue to uphold regional and international cooperation as has
been undertake so far."

In closing, Indonesia's third president praised his
predecessor who had quit only hours earlier.

He said that as a cultured nation, Indonesia should not forget
Soeharto's contributions and leadership in times of crisis and in
propelling development "which has brought parts of the country to
a higher standard of living compared to three decades ago, before
it was hit by the crisis sweeping Asia". (mds)