New book on Soeharto issued

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday received a copy of a new 250-page book that extols the virtues of his managerial skills.

The book titled President Soeharto Management was written by a team of writers, Setya Novanto, Riant Nugroho and Ferry Firdaus, from the Foundation of Generation Development.

Novanto said the book, to be launched in October, describes how President Soeharto's managerial brilliance had helped him stay in power for more than 25 years.

"The book contains the key to President Soeharto's success in managing the country. It's a must for the younger generation," Novanto told reporters after giving the President a copy at Merdeka Palace.

It took two years to write the book, with great input from the President's closest aides, he said. "The project was implemented without Soeharto's prior knowledge."

Novanto said the book contained a blend of Soeharto's "scientific and instinctive" managerial talents, and that it would hopefully become a reference for students and the general public.

He said the book would be published in two versions: one costing Rp 25,000 for students and one costing Rp 60,000 for the public. (pan)