Quiet birthday for Soeharto in Surakarta
Quiet birthday for Soeharto in Surakarta
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto marked his 75th birthday with
his children, grandchildren and close relatives at his private
residence in Surakarta, Central Java, yesterday.
Although it was a very private affair, as in his previous
birthdays, someone was greatly missed yesterday -- Mrs. Tien. It
was his first birthday since he became widowed last April.
Soeharto canceled all state appearances since he traveled to
Surakarta on Thursday to lead the ceremony to say prayers to mark
the 40th day since Mrs. Tien's death.
The late first lady was buried in Surakarta.
On Friday, Soeharto, his children and grandchildren went to
her grave to say prayers and sprinkle it with flower petals. Mrs.
Tien is buried at Astana Giri Bangun Matesih, the family
mausoleum near Surakarta.
Many members of his cabinet, the Armed Forces' top brass and
some top businessman took part in the ceremony. Earlier, prayers
were also said at his residence, an event joined by 60 santri
(pupils of Moslem boarding schools).
The President stayed in Surakarta to celebrate his birthday.
Yesterday, many newspapers splashed across their front pages a
recent photograph taken of the President in Jakarta wearing a
black leather jacket and riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle with
an empty sidecar. The jacket reportedly was a gift from Armed
Forces Chief of General Affairs Lt. Gen. Soeyono, whose favorite
pastime is to ride big motorcycles.
The photo, released by the State Secretariat, did not say
whether the President has also taken up a new hobby.
Among birthday wishes that flowed in over the weekend was one
from Russia's President Boris Yeltsin, who is facing a tough
general election this month.
Besides wishing for the good health and well-being of
Soeharto, Yeltsin expressed his belief that friendship between
the two countries could be maintained and strengthened, Antara
reported on a Russian embassy statement.
On Friday, the eve of his birthday, 29 Moslem organizations
affiliated to the ruling political group Golkar joined in the
chorus to urge the President to continue to lead the nation after
his current term in office ends in 1998.
Abdul Gafur, a Golkar leader who heads the forum, said the
Moslem community should forge unity, consolidate and harmonize
their vision and perception and defend the New Order government
under the leadership of President Soeharto.
The question of succession has resurfaced since the death of
Mrs. Tien and with the President turning 75 years old.
Soeharto himself has kept his intention of whether to remain
at the helm, private.
When the question was posed to him on two occasions last
month, the President said on one that his intention is to see
through the end of his term in 1998. Whether he would continue is
up to the People's Consultative Assembly, he said.
On the second occasion, he said people should take into
consideration his advancing age before nominating him for the job
again. (emb)