Mon, 27 Sep 1999

Habibie ready to give up power, Juwono says

JAKARTA (JP): B.J. Habibie asserted his readiness to be stripped of the presidency, but appealed to his critics to use "constitutional means" and not to exploit political issues to create anarchy for their own political ends.

Habibie's remarks came after a surprise meeting at Merdeka Palace on Saturday with several government officials to discuss the bloody two days of protests against the state security bill.

The protests on Thursday and Friday in the capital left at least seven dead, including a 14-year-old boy.

Following the more than two-hour meeting, Habibie, through Minister of Education and Culture Juwono Sudarsono, conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims and deplored that political issues such as the controversial bill were exploited to fuel fiery protests against the government.

"President Bacharudin Jusuf Habibie expressed his readiness to be dismissed or resign in a constitutional manner through the proper institution, the People's Consultative Assembly," Juwono said.

"Don't manipulate certain issues such as Bank Bali, East Timor and the state security bill to justify taking actions outside the law and mobilizing mass protests, because these events tend to lead to tragedy.

"Everyone who disagrees with him should take it up with the People's Consultative Assembly elected in the June 7 elections," Juwono said delivering Habibie's message.

Apart from Juwono, Saturday's meeting was attended by Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Feisal Tanjung, Indonesian Military Deputy Commander Adm. Widodo AS, National Police chief Gen. Roesmanhadi, Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Nugroho Djajusman and Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso.

Juwono repeatedly said Habibie was ready to relinquish the presidency through constitutional means and that he was also willing to accept criticism through demonstrations and other public protests as long as they were held in an orderly manner.

"Don't force your will in the name of democracy or reform," Juwono added. (prb/mds)