Mandela mum upon arrival here

JAKARTA (JP): South African President Nelson Mandela touched down at Halim Perdanakusuma airport here yesterday afternoon to begin a two-day unofficial visit in Indonesia.

"I cannot say anything in regard to my visit until I meet the head of state. At the end of my visit I will have the opportunity to address you and indicate the type of issues I discussed with President Soeharto," Mandela told reporters.

Arriving on a private plane, Mandela was greeted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas and Presidential Military Secretary Maj. Gen. Pranowo.

In the evening President Soeharto hosted a dinner for his illustrious guest at Merdeka Palace which was also attended by Speaker of the House of Representatives Wahono and Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono.

Due to the informal nature of the visit, Mandela is here in his capacity as Chairman of the African National Congress (ANC), and not as President.

Mandela was elected as South African President in May following the country's first non-racial election.

The current trip marks his second visit to Indonesia after coming in October 1990. At the time Mandela had yet to ascend the presidential seat and received a US$10,000 donation from the Indonesian government towards the struggle of the ANC to abolish apartheid in South Africa.

It is not known what will be discussed by Soeharto and Mandela when the two meet again for a scheduled 90 minute discussion at the palace this morning.

Later on today, Mandela will also call on Wahono at his office before returning to South Africa at three o'clock this afternoon.

South Africa is the newest member of the 111-nation Non- Aligned Movement (NAM), which Indonesia currently presides, entering soon after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in February.(mds)