Habibie says he wants to establish NGO

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)