Habibie says he wants to establish NGO

JAKARTA (JP): "We will have a Subuh (morning prayer) at Istiqlal Mosque," Abdurrahman "Timmy" Habibie whispered to a family friend when he saw his elder brother B.J. Habibie leading by 150 points during the course of the accountability vote at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Tuesday at midnight.

A reliable source present at Habibie's private residence during the counting process said the purpose of the prayer was to thank God as they believed Habibie would win the accountability vote which would smoothen his chances of winning the presidential election.

Habibie's residence was packed with relatives, including his youngest son Thareq Kemal Habibie and Jimly Assiddiqie, who is one of his close advisors.

"Suddenly it appeared as if they were facing doomsday when then they realized the Assembly had rejected the accountability report," said the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Habibie and his wife Hasri Ainun watched the counting process from their private room. Habibie then met with their guests and told them he had to face the most bitter experience of his life.

Many of his relatives and friends encouraged him to go ahead with the presidential race despite the rejection as there was no rule forbidding him to run.

At about 2 a.m. on Wednesday, Golkar Party Chairman Akbar Tandjung and People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker Amien Rais arrived at Habibie's residence in Patra Kuningan, South Jakarta, to officially inform him of the defeat.

"Pak Habibie was very upset with Akbar but was still in control of his emotions," said the official.

It was then that Habibie told Akbar that he would quit the presidential race and asked Akbar to replace him.

When Akbar left, his controversial friend A.A. Baramuli, former head of the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA), then came to console Habibie.

Later on Wednesday morning in front of anxious journalists, Habibie officially announced his retirement from the presidential race.

"Why must I be disappointed? No, it's not true that I am disappointed".

"I've often said that becoming president is not everything for me," Habibie said during the media briefing.

But judging by his physical mannerisms, it was evident that the former president was disheartened.

None of his cabinet members were present during the Wednesday morning announcement. Habibie said he had insisted that they not be present.

Spokeswoman and confidante Dewi Fortuna Anwar accompanied Habibie during the media conference. She later hugged Habibie and praised him for his brave decision.

To journalists, Habibie seemed to prefer to discuss his future plans to establish a non-governmental organization to promote human rights and democracy rather than his failed nomination bid.

Habibie said he would retire from politics.

"It's impossible (to continue), I must realize my position. Every day I become a day older".

He denied rumors that he would move to and live in Germany where he had spent many years, saying that Indonesia was his only home.

Last year Habibie remarked that if he were not president, he might like to spend some of his time in Germany to enable him to write a book.

When asked by a journalist, Habibie insisted he was not disappointed with the decision of Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Wiranto who turned down his offer to become his running mate.

Meanwhile, Merdeka Palace officials were busy making preparations to welcome the new president.

Presidential Household chief Kemal Munawar was busy on Wednesday listing out adjustments and anticipated renovations at Merdeka Palace for its new tenants.

Ratih Hardjono, Abdurrahman's private assistant, was apparently surprised with the total change of reception she received from Palace officials when she accompanied the president elect on a visit to Habibie soon after the election.

"Ibu Ratih, please be seated here," offered an Army major, Habibie's personal guard, who politely guided Ratih to a seat near Abdurrahman.

During previous visits, when Abdurrahman and Habibie often had breakfast together, Ratih was usually asked to leave the dining room.

Presidential Security Guard Commander Maj. Gen. Suwandi quickly arranged a limousine for Abdurrahman while Presidential Military Secretary Vice Marshall Budhy Santoso began his duty with Abdurrahman.

"This is a bullet proof car," Habibie said when he accompanied his successor into the waiting presidential limousine, which is usually reserved for visiting foreign leaders.(prb)