Soeharto celebrates birthday with family

Soeharto celebrates birthday with family

JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto celebrated his 77th
birthday yesterday with a cheerful, albeit simple ceremony
attended by his six children and spouses, 12 grandchildren and
great-grandchild at his residence on Jl. Cendana, Central
Jakarta.

Security officials politely asked journalists not to cover the
party, saying that Soeharto wanted to have an intimate dinner
with his family.

The officials said the former president cut a tumpeng
(traditional yellow rice cone) and presented the first serving to
his eldest daughter Siti Hardijanti Rukmana.

The widowed Soeharto -- his wife Tien died in 1996 -- received
bouquets of flowers from close friends and top government
officials, including a bouquet of white jasmine sent by
Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung.

It was not known whether President B.J. Habibie sent flowers
to the man he once called his "political professor". Habibie was
previously among the most regular visitors to Soeharto's birthday
celebrations.

"I am sorry," an official told journalists at the gate. "Pak
Harto appreciates your attention, but he really wants to have a
family gathering."

For the first time in years, state-owned TVRI did not feature
a report from the birthday party on its 9 p.m. World News
bulletin.

Since retiring last month, Soeharto has not played golf, his
favorite sport, and keeps himself amused by walking around his
house every morning.

Officials confirmed Soeharto's plan to counter allegations
that he amassed a huge fortune through abuses of power during his
32 year rule in a press conference today, but added that it might
be delayed at the request of his children.

"His children would prefer him to remain quiet until people
calm down," they said. (prb)