Soeharto-Habibie duet wins laurels from public

JAKARTA (JP): Over the past week many newspapers reporting the election of Soeharto and B.J. Habibie have likened the proximity of the new duo with that of the country's first president and vice president, Sukarno and M. Hatta, respectively.

There are various reasons why some people call them dwitunggal (two but one), just like Indonesians used to refer to Sukarno and M. Hatta, but what's clear is that every Indonesian has their own hopes and opinions about the new pair at the country's helm.

Sudharmono, former vice president: The Soeharto-Habibie duet is the people's choice and it's the people's right to judge their performance later on. I think we should let the two get to work and complete their duties first before we judge them.

Wahono. former speaker of the House of Representatives/People's Consultative Assembly: They are a good pair of state leaders. However, I will reserve further judgment on their (leadership) and their performance in handling the monetary crisis until after the five-year term is up.

Probosutedjo, a leading businessman and President Soeharto's half brother: I salute Habibie because he has the courage to express his own opinions, he does not just wait for suggestions from the President. I believe there will be dialog between the two, not a just a one-way communication.

The President would have to be the one giving instructions, but the Vice President will also share his opinions with the President.

I am optimistic they will succeed in managing the country well.

Khofifah Indar Parawansa, a legislator from the United Development Party (PPP): The two make a good combination of state leaders.

What's most important, however, is how the next cabinet will work as that will affect the performance of the whole government.

The next cabinet members should be... more professional. They have to abide by social and moral values and religious teachings.

Slamet, a street vendor: For common people like me, it doesn't matter who rules the country or who sits in the cabinet. Adequate and affordable food supplies are what concerns me more. As long as there is enough food and I can buy it with my paltry earnings, it's enough.

I have been a street vendor since 1980, but things were not this difficult then. I earn less... while I have to pay more because of the skyrocketing prices.

I hope Pak Harto and Pak Habibie will solve the situation.

Ratmokaryo, a taxi driver: I'm not surprised President Soeharto has been reelected. I do have many hopes in my mind, but I'm afraid no one will listen to me because I'm just a cab driver.

The monetary crisis has created many difficulties I almost cannot bear. My earnings have dropped sharply while prices are skyrocketing.

I have to drive round and round and round before I finally get a passenger. That was not the case before the monetary crisis. Many people now stop riding in taxis and prefer to take the bus.

I don't really care who the president and vice president are. The most important thing for me is that the crisis is over as soon as possible.

Habibie's election makes me hope that in the future Moslems will find it even easier to perform their religious duties. I don't read or see television much, but I heard he (Habibie) is a devoted Moslem. Hopefully his election will benefit Moslems.

Dhimas Arief Vianto, a senior high school student: I'm glad that it is Pak Habibie, my idol, who has been elected vice president. He is really a perfect match for Pak Harto.

Pak Habibie is a genius, master of technology, while Pak Harto is very good in the social and political fields. The duo will guarantee that all aspects of life are covered.

I hope they will be able to restimulate the economy soon. I'd like to see things back to normal as soon as possible.

Sutrisno Muchdam, deputy chairman of the 28-million-strong Muhammadiyah Moslem organization: Pak Habibie is the perfect choice. Besides, he is the first vice president who represents the Moslem community.

Sure, the previous vice presidents were Moslems, but Habibie represents an Islamic organization (the Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals -- ICMI) and he enjoys the support of many Moslems. His position will benefit Moslems.

Yanie, a cashier: I'm concerned because Pak Harto has again been reelected. He has been there for too long. He was the president when I was born, and he still is.

I want to see change. How is it possible that I have only known one president so far?

Now that he is reelected, and Pak Habibie has become the vice president, I have to accept the situation, I suppose. But I hope the two will bring change to our social and political life.

A clean and democratic government should be established. There should be equality for everybody, no matter what their background is. Most of all, a president must serve no more than two terms.

Yulianti, an executive secretary: I have to accept the new leaders, don't I? Just like many other housewives and mothers, my wish is simple: the government should not make our husbands unemployed.

Don't take our jobs away. We've been suffering a great deal from the soaring prices.

Please get rid of corruption, collusion, monopolies and all other unfair business practices. Choose only those who are qualified to serve in the cabinet. Drop anybody who has proved to be incapable, no matter how close a tie they had with the government's inner circle.

Diah Pratiwi, unemployed since last month due to the monetary crisis: As one of thousands of direct victims of the monetary crisis, I do hope the next government will mend the situation as quickly as possible and create more jobs for all of us.

A clean and more democratic government is obviously a must.

People have suffered too long from the crisis. Don't make them suffer any longer. Don't let them down. They are putting much hope in the government. They will survive as long as their hope is still with them. (team)