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)