Habibie wants new generation in state power

JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Research and Technology yesterday declined to comment on growing speculations about his possible candidacy for vice president in 1998, but did suggest younger national leaders were needed.

He said the Post-1945 generation is ready to take the reins of state. "Why should we depend on one generation," he said after a hearing with the House of Representatives Commission IX on science and technology here yesterday.

He argued that a person's capacity becomes increasingly limited as he ages and those in the 1945 Generation holding executive seats are also becoming restricted in their physical capacity.

"That is only human... They won't be the same as when they were 40 or 50," he remarked.

The 1945 Generation are those who in their youth fought for Indonesia's independence.

Habibie is on the short list of political figures rumored to be likely candidates for the vice presidency when the People's Consultative Assembly convenes in 1998.

Retired general Soemitro, known as a leading military thinker, said on Monday the vice presidential post should be held by someone from the Post-1945 generation. He said Soeharto needs fresh company.

Soemitro suggested names for the post: Moslem intellectuals Abdurrahman Wahid and Nurcholish Madjid, economists Sri Edi Swasono and Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, former student activists (known as the 1966 Generation) Fahmi Idris and Ekky Syachrudin, as well as Habibie.

"I believe they are eligible for the post. The problem is they have never been given the chance," said Soemitro, who in the 1970s held the important post of chief of the now defunct Operational Command for the Restoration of Security.

Habibie yesterday would not respond to Soemitro's comments. "I don't know what Pak Soemitro said," he said.

However, Habibie agreed there was a need for younger blood in the national leadership.

He praised Soeharto's 30-year reign as leader, and said the President was a greatly dedicated man, and having given everything to the nation, and he may wish to retire.

"It would not be wise of us if we did not allow him to enjoy his retirement," Habibie remarked.

Separately, Soemitro called for everyone to allow the Armed Forces' (ABRI) and the bureaucracy to support an electoral victory by the ruling Golkar faction.

It would smooth the rise of a new generation of leaders in the future, he said.

"Please allow ABRI and the bureaucracy to help Golkar win this time, but after that, no way," remarked Soemitro.

ABRI helped form Golkar in the mid-1960s and has acted as patron to the ruling faction. It has continued to show support by assisting Golkar during general elections.

Looking at the other two political parties -- the United Development Party and the Indonesian Democratic Party, Soemitro argued that Golkar's victory was the only viable option for continued stability and national development.

He argued that Indonesia was undergoing a period of transition and stability was thus essential.

He stressed that after all these years, there was no reason for Golkar not to soon be independent and stand on its own two feet.

However, Golkar's victory in the 1997 general election, boosted by ABRI's support, is still needed.

"To ease and pave the way for the leaders of the future, let Golkar win," Soemitro remarked. (05/mds)