Next vice president 'likely to be chosen from the cabinet'

JAKARTA (JP): The next vice president is likely to be chosen from the present cabinet of President Soeharto, senior politician Sudomo said yesterday.

Sudomo, a close confidante of Soeharto and currently chairman of the Supreme Advisory Council, dismissed the chances of the President's eldest daughter Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana for the number two position when the post is determined next March.

"I don't think that's possible," he said after meeting with the President at Bina Graha in his official capacity.

"I believe it will be someone from the cabinet. At least, the candidate has a known record. And it's a tradition," he said, recalling every vice president since 1973.

Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX (vice president from 1973 to 1978) was economics minister, Adam Malik (1978-1983) was foreign minister, Umar Wirahadikusumah (1983-1988) was chairman of the Supreme Audit Agency, Sudharmono (1988-1993) was minister/state secretary, and Try Sutrisno, vice president since 1993, was Armed Forces chief.

The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) is scheduled to meet in March 1998 to elect the president and vice president. With Soeharto certain to be elected for his seventh consecutive five year term, speculations have focused on the number two position.

Constitutionally the MPR has a free hand in electing the vice president. But traditionally the MPR has consulted the elected president, in this case Soeharto, on the choice of vice president, before formally making its nominations.

"I'm willing to put a wager that the candidate will be someone from the current cabinet," Sudomo said. "As a minister, he has already proven himself and is quite known to the public."

Among the front runners often cited for the job are State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie, Minister of Information Harmoko and Army Chief of Staff Gen. R. Hartono.

The name of Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, a successful businesswoman and senior Golkar politician, has also been mentioned recently. Some also speculated on Try keeping the post while others said Sudharmono could make a come back.

Sudomo said he was sure Soeharto would be reelected next March.

"The key to the success of the current government is in its leadership, in this case President Soeharto.

"I'm not trying to start a personality cult, but he has qualities necessary for national development," Sudomo said.

These qualities include his vision, and, given his military background, his ability to deal with crises. He is a good overall manager, Sudomo said. (emb)