Momentum for counter attack?

At the end of May 1998 President Soeharto stepped down as president of the Republic of Indonesia and in line with the 1945 Constitution he was automatically succeeded by his vice president B.J. Habibie.

After his resignation Soeharto came under attack from all directions, mostly about his accumulation of wealth, about the way he ran this country and many other affairs including the businesses of his children. During these attacks Soeharto kept calm and silent.

As a military strategist, he started to survey the battlefield, the strength of the enemy, the tactics they were going to use and their targets. Then he started looking at his own strength, the weapons he had at his disposal, the support he could expect from the government and the people.

The most urgent step was to destroy all harmful evidence and change the names of the deposits abroad. The domestic circumstances were in his favor, due to the slow progress (intentionally or unintentionally) of the law enforcing agencies.

It took him about three months to prepare his counter attack. First, he let the people know that he still existed and hence he made his appearance on a private TV station (TPI) explaining at great length about his financial matters and denying all of the accusations.

In the meantime the situation is becoming worse. People no longer have confidence in the present government and the students have resumed demonstrations demanding the resignation of President B.J. Habibie and other incompetent leaders. Food is scarce and prices are skyrocketing.

Law and order is out of control and worse still the people have started to dislike the Armed Forces (ABRI) for not sharing the aspirations of the people who call for reform. It is this situation that is being awaited by Soeharto. He has determined that the time is ripe for counter attack.

I only feel sorry for the common people who become victims of this power play and suffer economically. The government should act resolutely and tackle the most urgent problem, and comply with what the people desire most i.e. the investigation of former president Soeharto without delay, before important documents disappear.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta