Military says give Habibie a chance
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)