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.
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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)