Soeharto thanks the nation

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday said the massive outpouring of sympathy that he has received over the past week has helped to ease the grief that he and his family have endured since the loss of First Lady Mrs. Tien, who died on Sunday.

In his first official public statement since Mrs. Tien's death, Soeharto appealed to the people to support him as the national mourning period ends and he resumes his official duties.

The President, in a nationwide television broadcast, described her death as a tremendous loss for him and his family.

"Since that Sunday morning of April 28, something went missing from the midst of our family, something that is priceless to us," he said. "Our family has lost a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother.

"Our family has lost someone to whom we have showered all our love, someone who had showered all her love to us all."

The whole family, he added, "is in very deep mourning."

Mrs. Tien died of a heart attack at the Army Gatot Subroto Hospital in Jakarta on Sunday morning. She was 72 years old.

A recipient of various medals of honor, she was buried with military and state honors on Monday in her hometown in Surakarta, Central Java.

There have been calls from various groups since then to confer on Mrs. Tien Soeharto the title of national heroine.

Mrs. Tien was particularly noted for her various charitable activities in her role as the nation's first lady for 28 years.

She is survived by Soeharto, three daughters, three sons and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The President, who is 74 years old, said the "spiritual burden" that struck him and his family had been eased by the massive outpouring of condolence messages and sympathy that the family received.

He said he felt the genuine expressions of sympathy from the people who came to his Jl. Cendana residence, and from those who saw off the processions, both from Cendana to the Halim Perdanakusuma airport, and from the residence in Surakarta to Mrs. Tien's final resting place in Kalitan.

The State Secretariat immediately called for a seven-day national mourning period during which time all houses were required to fly the national red-and-white flag at half-mast.

The President canceled all state duties during the week of national mourning, which officially ends today, although officials said he continued to read his mail.

"After the one week mourning period, I ask for the blessing of all the people in Indonesia so I can resume in full the state duties that have been thrust upon my shoulders," he said.

Last night, the Istiqlal Grand Mosque held prayers for Mrs. Tien as the nation entered the seventh day of mourning. Congregations from other religious communities have also held mass prayers and services for Mrs. Tien.

Bambang Trihatmodjo, a son of the President, in a separate statement apologized for not being able to hold the prayer at the President's Cendana residence as people have suggested due to lack of space.

Both Soeharto and Bambang in their statements also appealed to the nation to forgive all the mistakes Mrs. Tien may have committed. (emb)