Habibie wants new generation in state power
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)