More praise comes pouring in for Ibu Tien

More praise comes pouring in for Ibu Tien

JAKARTA (JP): A number of women wept openly or fainted
watching the procession carrying Mrs. Tien Soeharto's coffin from
Surakarta to Astana Giri Bangun cemetery on the town's outskirts
yesterday.

Melly G. Tan, a sociologist at the Indonesian Institute of
Sciences (LIPI): Ibu Tien was a strong person. We know that. You
could feel it. She was always there with Pak Harto. We couldn't
imagine Pak Harto without her.

Ibu Tien was what is known as a pendamping, someone who was
always on his side and gave him support. She was more than a
partner or a companion. Ibu Tien didn't want to be in the back,
she wanted to be a part of Pak Harto. She was a model woman.
She was of the old generation. The younger generations might find
it difficult to accept that concept of pendamping. You might not
want to be a part of your husband. You might want to have your
own ideas, your own personality and your own views on how things
should be.

The saying that there is a woman behind any successful man is
true enough. Women do not necessary always become pendamping.
They should have the opportunity to come forward if they want to.
But if one wants to become a pendamping or a full time housewife,
we should respect that choice.

Ibu Tien was a good pendamping. She was the right person for
the President.

Inke Maris, former broadcaster and the founder of a public
relations company: About 17 years ago, I was asked to be Mrs.
Tien's interpreter when she received state guests Queen Elizabeth
and Prince Philip of Britain. I was touched. Even in the formal
and stiff state function she took the trouble to ask that she be
excused because she was eating the state banquet, while I, on
duty, could not eat. "Please excuse me, I'll have to have my
dinner now," she said. It's a small thing, but it shows how kind
she was.

On another occasion, I was again asked to accompany her during
a visit to Rome when President Soeharto accepted the Food and
Agriculture Organization award in 1985. I was really impressed by
how she paid great attention to people around us...She never
stopped smiling, never looked hurried, never lost her patience,
and she always smelled of jasmine.

As an interpreter, it was my duty to stay near her. Sometimes
she would ask other people, "Where's Inke?"
She inspired a loyalty in us, and she made us feel we were
willing to do anything for her.

Rita Kolibonso, a lawyer at the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute:
Ibu Tien was the First Lady for a long time. That was an
important position and people watched what she did. She was much
involved in social activities, which was good.

As we know, the top priority in the government is the economic
development, while social affairs is the "number two." The flow
of funds for handicapped children, victims of natural disasters
and for the improvement of public welfare has been slow.

Therefore, it was good that Ibu Tien took the initiative to be
active in social projects. I know that she also had some
businesses for herself. But we should distinguish this from her
social activities.

She did a lot of positive things. I respect her and what she
did.

Dr. Ana Alisjahbana, activist of Surya Kanti Foundation which
helps deaf children: I'm a doctor, and yet I was shocked when I
heard about her death. I found it difficult to take in that she,
who frequently appeared on television, was now gone.

I personally met her in 1977 during an event which had
something to do with the construction of Taman Mini (Beautiful
Indonesia in Miniature Park). I really respect her ideas, her
vision, and I will remember her for her good deeds, especially
for her work for women and children.

Dasem, a 75-year old former independence fighter: I was one of
her childhood friends and a colleague at the Indonesian Women's
Legion. Ibu Tien was always full of care for other people, even
for us who remained on a low level in society. She was the one
who initiated the establishment of an association of former
female fighters, to help improve our welfare. She really cared
about us, even though she was always busy with her duties as the
First Lady. I will really miss her.

Mien Sugandhi, State Minister for Women's Roles: I propose
that the government confer upon Ibu Tien the title of National
Heroine for the outstanding service she gave this country, as
well in her loyalty in accompanying President Soeharto.

The government should confer the title so that she will be
equal with the other national heroines such as Ibu RA Kartini.
She meets all the criteria for the title. (sim/swe/17)