President visits former NU head

JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid visited ailing Idham Chalid, a distinguished politician and former head of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), at his residence on a relaxed Sunday afternoon.

There was little exchange of conversation between the two as Idham, 78, weak and was confined to a wheelchair due to long-term illness (photo left).

Presidential aides said Abdurrahman was keen to seen Idham who is ailing due to his of aging.

A member of Idham's family said during the meeting that Abdurrahman refused to be called as "Bapak Presiden".

The visits seemed more like a family reunion. Idham served as head of the country's largest Muslim organization from 1956 and 1984. He was replaced by Abdurrahman.

Idham is known as an accomplished politician from the eras of the country's first president, Sukarno, and his successor Soeharto.

Following the 1955 general election, he was deputy prime minister in the Ali Sastroamidjojo-Mohammad Roem-Idham Chalid Cabinet.

He was minister of people's welfare in 1966 and speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly from 1971 to 1977. He was also chairman of the United Development Party during the period.

After stepping down as Assembly speaker, he became a member of the Supreme Advisory Council.

The brief 15-minute visit on Sunday continued the round of social calls the newly elected President has been making on senior politicians and community elders.

He visited former military commander A.H. Nasution last week. (mds)