Mixed reactions to Soeharto's sudden resignation

Mixed reactions to Soeharto's sudden resignation

JAKARTA (JP): People from all walks of reacted differently to
the news of President Soeharto's resignation which stunned the
world yesterday.

Generally, all those asked for comment hailed the 76-year-old
five-star general's abrupt decision to step down after 32 years
in office.

Unfortunately, none of the country's top entrepreneurs who
enjoyed special treatment from Soeharto during his tenure could
be reached for comment yesterday.

"He's not around," said a voice from the residence of Muhammad
"Bob" Hasan, Soeharto's frequent choice of golfing partner.

"Bapak has been in Central Java for a week," replied someone
from the house of tycoon Sudwikatmono, a distant relative of
Soeharto.

Peter Gontha, usually easily contacted, was not answering his
phone.

But not all tycoons refused to comment on an issue which until
recently would have placed their businesses in jeopardy.

Founder and chairman of the widely-diversified Ciputra Group,
Ciputra, expressed his opinion very carefully .

"I'm really happy with the success of the reform movement. We
from the business community are yearning for immediate reform of
the current system so that we can go back to work.

"Business has been halted. We have not been able to work, and
we cannot pay our workers.

"I hope that Habibie will be accepted by all layers of
society, and that the transition of power will be peaceful and
constitutional."

Hotelier Pontjo Sutowo: "It's too early to judge. What's
important is not the figure, but the government behind him.

"Hopefully, political tension will now die down and stability
return. Only with stability will tourists start to come here
again.

"With this change of leadership, I hope demands for reforms
will now end, but I am not too optimistic about that. I also hope
that this change will match the people's aspirations," the
businessman said.

Even some state employees and officials dared to freely
express their personal thoughts.

Jakarta Police Spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang: "Personally, I
think Soeharto's resignation is a consequences of popular
demands.

"This is a new challenge for the police, who must guard
society against any turbulence and misfortune under the new
government."

Jakarta Military Spokesman Lt. Col. D.J. Nachrowi: "His
decision may cool down the situation because one of the main
student demands has now been met. Regarding Habibie, hopefully he
will take wise and just action to avoid possible chaos."

Military First Sgt. Hartono (not his real name), a soldier on
duty at the House of Representatives: "I think it's the best way
for him and this nation. He might have realized that he's a human
being, not a snake that can replace his skin after a certain
period of time."

Afrizal, a senior member of staff in a government department:
"Merdeka!" (Freedom!).

Soothsayer Permadi was upbeat after the resignation statement,
which he predicted would happen some time ago: "As I've told you,
I knew this would happen," he said perceptively.

"But I see that he is not happy with his own decision because
he is leaving a time-bomb, Habibie, in charge of this nation.

"He would have preferred not to have been replaced by Habibie
as he knew that would only worsen the situation. He said as much
a few days ago. I'm very concern about this because I've called
1998 the Year of Karma. That means more problems are in store for
this country.

"Last week's rioting is nothing. There will be more victims in
the days to come," the mystic claimed.

Some of those imprisoned for their views during Soeharto's 32
years as president also gave comment yesterday.

Pramoedya Ananta Toer, 73, world-acclaimed author: "It's
totally meaningless because the New Order Regime has been full of
deceptions.

"For us to have a trustworthy new government, the Armed Forces
must make clear whether it wants to side with the New Order or
the students, only then will we come to the real defining
moment."

Muchtar Pakpahan, jailed leader of the Indonesian Prosperous
Labor Union (SBSI) (speaking by phone from Cikini Hospital in
Central Jakarta where he is being treated for a tumor): "It's
good news, it's invaluable.

"I call on everybody to keep pressing for the People's
Consultative Assembly (MPR) to hold an extraordinary general
session by June 30 to elect a new president who will later
establish a reform government."

Others, including professionals, expressed different opinions.

Frans Von Magnis-Suseno, a professor of philosophy at the
Philosophy Institute of Driyarkara in Jakarta: "I see Soeharto's
resignation as something normal. It is a step towards
implementing total reform in this country.

"But there must be follow-up, because reform does not only
entail changing the head of state.

"An extraordinary MPR session is still needed, and it would be
best if it took place as soon as possible."

Baharuddin Lopa, a member of the National Committee for Human
Rights: "Everything has happened so fast. But the simple ceremony
has saved a lot of state money. Can you imagine how much it would
have cost to hold the ceremony before an assembled House.

"Let us accept the changes first and see what happens next.

"But I suspect Habibie, who has only been Vice President for
three months, will be overwhelmed by the huge problems he has to
face."

Model and TV presenter Bianca Adinegoro: "I was surprised. But
I don't want to think about it any more because I don't know
anything about politics. Let other people do it."

Sociologist Kastorius Sinaga: "Soeharto's resignation has met
the people's demands. But the way in which Soeharto passed
authority to Habibie is unconstitutional.

He should have returned his mandate to the MPR, which would
later choose a new president through an extraordinary session.
Soeharto has underestimated the MPR."

Lawyer Trimedya Panjaitan: "We're glad that Soeharto has
resigned but disappointed that Habibie is his chosen successor.
He is like a reflection of Soeharto. There will be no changes."

Budi, a journalist from Panji Masyarakat weekly magazine: My
happiness doubled because Real Madrid won the European Cup last
night."

People questioned on the streets all had something to say
too.

Fruit seller Romli from Kota in West Jakarta: "It's as though
an elephant has been defeated by ants.

"I hope the security situation returns to normal so that I can
work without distraction. I don't care who leads the country."

Taxi driver Sobirin from the Gading Kencana taxi company: "I
hope there's no rioting tomorrow (today). I really don't want a
civil war to take place just because Habibie did not get the
military's support. All I want is a normal situation so that I
can feel safe driving my taxi and earning money for my family.

Suharjo, a Chinese Indonesian businessman who had his Rp 1
billion minishop in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, plundered during
last week's riots: "It does not necessarily mean that political
stability has returned.

"I have a feeling that the power struggle among the political
elite is escalating and no one knows what's going to happen
next."

Nurudin, a cleaning service supervisor in the DPR/MPR
building: "Even though Soeharto has stepped down and Habibie has
taken over, it won't change my life."
(aan/jun/imn/gis/bsr/cst/edt/das)