Public call for reelection of Soeharto grows

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): Governor Maj. Gen. (ret) HZB Palaguna has stood by local figures' recent bid to seek President Soeharto's reelection in 1998.

Palaguna said last week that people in his province still needed Soeharto, who has been in power for 30 years, to ensure sustainable development.

"All South Sulawesi people want to see the People's Consultative Assembly reelect Pak Harto in 1998," the governor told journalists here last week.

Palaguna was commenting on the March 9 resolution by 10,000 South Sulawesi migrants in Jakarta in which they urged the People's Consultative Assembly to reelect Soeharto.

Key figures behind the resolution were Logistic Agency chief Bedu Amang, State Minister for Research and Technology B.J. Habibie, Deputy House Speaker Achmad Amirrudin and business tycoons A.A. Baramuli and Tanri Abeng.

The pledge was the latest in support of the President's reelection. More than 20 organizations, mostly affiliated with the dominant political group Golkar, have swung their support behind Soeharto.

Palaguna said all regents across South Sulawesi were determined to urge the people's assembly to prolong Soeharto's mandate for another five years.

"But most of them choose to remain silent because they want to see the (May 29) election and wait for the assembly to convene in March 1998 before they raise their aspirations," he said.

South Sulawesi leaders say Soeharto deserves another term of office because they believe he can save the nation from numerous political upheavals and develop the economy.

In their March 9 resolution, they said Soeharto had successfully lifted Indonesia's dignity and standing in the international community. (pan)