Military says give Habibie a chance
JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) reiterated its support for President B.J. Habibie yesterday, with Commander Gen. Wiranto calling on the nation to give the government a chance to lift the country out of its economic misery.
While reaffirming ABRI's commitment to reform, Wiranto called for greater wisdom in pushing for change and warned that those who pushed the line too far would have to deal with ABRI.
He also appealed to people to show respect to former president Soeharto.
"Without intending to belittle the demands for reform, overcoming the crisis must now take priority and be made an important agenda item that can no longer wait," he said in a rare media briefing before a cabinet meeting at Bina Graha presidential office.
This agenda included overcoming the financial and economic crises, resolving unemployment and restoring public calm by meeting the people's basic needs, he said.
"Today, I reiterate ABRI's support for President B.J. Habibie and for the Reform and Development Cabinet which faces daunting tasks to overcome the crisis and lead the reformation movement," said Wiranto, who is also the minister of defense and security.
"ABRI has always supported the legitimate and constitutional government recognized by the people. So, let's all together give the government the chance to take various positive steps to solve the problems facing this nation," he said.
His statement comes amid calls for an extraordinary session of the People's Consultative Assembly to formally remove Soeharto and Habibie as president and vice president in order to make way for a new leadership. Habibie has promised fresh elections next year to form a new assembly which will elect a new president.
Spirit of reform
Wiranto said the movement for reform has intensified to the point that some people are calling for change for the sake of change or have departed from the spirit of reform itself.
"ABRI realizes that reform is not without limits. Reform cannot steamroller the limits set by Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, nationalism and national unity and cohesion.
"ABRI is reminding all parties, wherever they may be, to keep the reform movement on its proper track. We have to safeguard reform so that it achieves its objectives and maintains its purity.
He underlined the need for a national commitment to resolve the crisis.
"Digging for past dirt will only disturb our concentration in trying to move to a future which is filled with many problems.
"The fate of this nation is ours to determine. It's our choice. It is only appropriate, or even obligatory, that every responsible citizen gives their contribution according to their capacity and capability to overcome this crisis."
Wiranto said that people who were calling for political reform must do so with wisdom. "Activities that exceed the limits and get out of control will obstruct the reform progress, and they will certainly have to face ABRI."
On Soeharto, Wiranto said that like any human being, he had his shortcomings but that it would be highly appreciated if the former president, who had done a lot for the progress of the country over 30 years, was given more appropriate treatment.
"Why can't we admit this? We are even allowing this wave of condemnations, accusations and harassment without giving him the chance to defend himself," said Wiranto, a former adjutant to the former president.
He said such emotional and arbitrary actions against Soeharto was "denigrating the integrity of the nation." (prb/emb)