Harmoko avoids fatal attraction

Harmoko avoids fatal attraction

JAKARTA (JP): Harmoko, who divides his time between his positions as minister of information and chairman of Golkar, has revealed the secret of his time management -- avoid the lure of women.

"When you reach 50, you'll come across a `fatal roundabout' because of various temptations, particularly from women," Harmoko, who turned 56 yesterday, told reporters who went up to him to wish him happy birthday. "Many men cannot resist the temptation and get married for the second time in their 50s."

"I think it is important to keep healthy in mind and in body, keep them in balance," he said after briefing reporters about the outcome of yesterday's cabinet meeting to discuss the economy at the Bina Graha presidential office.

So how did he manage to survive the `fatal roundabout?'

"You've got enjoy whatever you do. You've got to see that everything you do is in the way of Allah. Thank God, I don't hold any grudges or envy. This way I don't get stressed out," said the former journalist who has been the official spokesman for President Soeharto's cabinet since 1983.

He pointed out that, as far as he could recall, he has not missed a single cabinet monthly meeting since his appointment.

He added that most of all, he has managed to stay fit and healthy because he listens to President Soeharto's advise to avoid the lure of three ta's: wanita, harta and tahta (women, wealth and position).

If you succumbed to these three temptations, particularly to women, the results would be fatal, said the man who hails from Nganjuk, East Java. (emb)