President visits former NU head

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)