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)