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)