Life turns around for 80-year-old Soeharto

JAKARTA (JP): How things have turned around.

Two days ago 10,000 people gathered in the country's largest stadium to adore the late president Sukarno on the 100th anniversary of the birth of the state's founding father. Such an event would have been unthinkable during the Soeharto era.

On Friday when former President Soeharto turns 80, what during the New Order was a quasi national event, is likely to pass quietly with little or no fanfare.

Such is life, such are the parallels.

Both Sukarno and Soeharto were presidents, both are geminis, both left office in disgrace.

Sukarno died under house arrest in 1970. Soeharto, who had been under house arrest before court charges on abuse of power were suspended, virtually never leaves his residence on Jl. Cendana, Central Jakarta.

Friday will, perhaps, be a lonely celebration among limited friends and family.

Soeharto cannot even expect all his children to attend as his youngest of six children, Hutomo Mandala Putra has gone into hiding becoming one of the country's most wanted convicted felons.

Born in Kemusu, Yogyakarta, on June 8, 1921, Soeharto after 32-years in power stepped down from office amid nationwide unrest on May 21, 1998.

On Thursday afternoon, two small bouquets arrived, while caterers were busy to preparing for Friday's birthday gathering.

Business tycoon Prajogo Pangestu dropped a message to Soeharto asking him what he wanted for his birthday. It is not known if the former president replied.

As part of his birthday, Soeharto is expected to present gifts to a dozen orphans who will come to congratulate him before Friday prayers.

"Bapak has repeatedly told his children that he wants to have a very simple thanksgiving gathering tomorrow (Friday) evening," said a security guard who has worked for the Soeharto security detail for more than 20 years.

According to the guard, his children impose a strict screening on how their father can entertain himself.

Television is limited to mystery series or cartoons. No newspapers or news magazines. Books are limited to religion.

"His favorite TV programs are Mak Lampir (Mrs. Witchcraft) and the Angling Dharma legend series," said the guard who just retired from active military service.

Visitors are few and far between, the most notable being former military chief and former adjutant, Wiranto.

The years have also taken its toll on the former president's famous pet bird who used to sound out "Selamat Pagi (Good Morning) Bapak Presiden" every time Soeharto approached.

"Since last month the bird can no longer screech. It is also blind now, maybe because of its age," the guard said who lamented that "Soeharto is treated just like a pariah despite his great contribution to the country." (prb)