Soeharto accepts his renomination
Soeharto accepts his renomination
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto called on the nation
yesterday to stand behind the economic recovery programs now
underway, in exchange for his acceptance to be renominated to his
seventh consecutive term in office.
Soeharto told chief of the Golkar faction in the People's
Consultative Assembly Ginandjar Kartasasmita that full support
from the public and all sociopolitical organizations was all that
he needed to lead the country out of the economic doldrums.
"We are facing an economic crisis and monetary turbulence,
let's cope with them together. With support from all of the
people and sociopolitical forces, Insya Allah (God willing)
Indonesia can solve the difficulties," Soeharto was quoted by
Ginandjar as saying.
Ginandjar -- along with fellow Golkar executives R. Hartono,
Akbar Tanjung, Haryanto Dhanutirto and Ary Mardjono -- met
Soeharto at the President's residence on Jl. Cendana, Central
Jakarta, to ask him if he was willing to be renominated by the
ruling grouping.
The other four factions -- the Armed Forces, United
Development Party (PPP), Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) and
regional representatives-- also formally asked the 77-year-old
incumbent President to stand again.
Ginandjar also said Soeharto promised to honor people's
confidence in him by fighting the crisis out.
Yesterday's meetings were held in line with the procedures for
a presidential nomination.
The five delegations met Soeharto in the following order: the
Armed Forces, Golkar, PDI, PPP and the regional representatives.
A media briefing followed each meeting.
Later yesterday, the five factions presented to the Assembly a
number of supporting documents for Soeharto's candidacy,
including police testimony of the candidate's good conduct, and a
collection of signatures of Assembly members who agree to
nominate him.
Similar documents were also prepared for the nomination of
outgoing State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie
for the vice presidency.
Old
Leader of the PPP faction in the Assembly Jusuf Syakir said
Soeharto had spoken at length about the country's monetary crisis
with the five delegates of the Moslem-based party.
"He (Soeharto) is prepared to be renominated, although he
admitted that the country is facing its toughest challenges ever,
particularly due to the prevailing economic crisis," Jusuf said.
The PPP delegation also comprised Sjaiful Anwar Hossein, Zein
Badjeber, Alihardi Kiaidemak and Zarkasih Nur.
Jusuf said that a prayer led by Zarkasih concluded the
meeting.
In his meeting with the Armed Forces delegates led by Lt. Gen.
Yunus Yosfiah, Soeharto said he would accept his renomination if
it was the people's will.
"He told us he was already 77 years old, older than Prophet
Muhammad (when he died at 63 years of age in 632 AD/11 Hijr), but
with a fighting spirit and adherence toward Indonesian soldiers'
oath, he was prepared to devote his soul, not to mention
possessions, to the country," Yunus said.
Yunus, the outgoing Armed Forces chief of sociopolitical
affairs, was accompanied by Lt. Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono,
Maj. Gen. Imam Utomo, Maj. Gen. I Ketut Astawa, Commodore Ishak
Latuconsina and Commodore Sudirman.
Chairman of PDI faction at the Assembly Buttu Hutapea said
Soeharto thanked and warmly welcomed the faction's aspirations.
Fatimah Achmad, Ismunandar, Clara L.M. Sitompul and Yahya Theo
accompanied Buttu during the 22-minute meeting with Soeharto.
"We are in need of tough national leadership, and the only
person who is worthy is President Soeharto," Buttu told the media
briefing.
The regional representatives faction leader, Hasan Basri
Durin, said that as a fighter Soeharto would be ready to carry
out his future duties, no matter how tough they may be, if the
Assembly elected him.
The faction turned up with the largest team comprising eight
members. They were Hasan, H.M. Ardans, Sutiyoso, Maj. Gen. Agum
Gumelar, Alip Pandoyo, Abdul Nurhaman, Alhusniduki Hamim and
Jusuf Kalla. The latter came a little late. (prb/amd)