Soeharto to bid farewell to outgoing legislators

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto and Vice President Try Sutrisno will say adieu to outgoing legislators at a reception on Friday.

House Speaker Wahono said yesterday that cabinet members and senior government officials were also expected to attend the farewell ceremony at the House of Representatives where the President will deliver a farewell speech.

"This reception is an expression of gratitude to God because we've completed our five-year duties safely," Wahono said after meeting with Soeharto at Merdeka Palace.

The House held its last plenary session last week.

A new 500-strong House will be inducted on Oct. 1.

The dominant Golkar faction will hold 325 seats, followed by the United Development Party with 89 seats and the Indonesian Democratic Party with just 11 seats.

The Armed Forces faction, whose members do not vote, will hold 75 seats.

Wahono maintained that the House in the past five years succeeded in carrying out its duties well. He denied allegations that the House was weak in relation to the government.

"The constitution has addressed the necessity for a strong government," Wahono contended.

According to Wahono, during its five-year term, the House passed 73 bills, including 16 bills on the state budget, eight tax-related bills, nine bills on conventions and ratifications and nine bills on granting mayoralty status.

Outgoing State Minister for Special Assignments Harmoko is tipped to replace Wahono.

Traditionally a retired speaker will not hold an official position after leaving the House, because according to state protocol, the speaker is the third most senior state official after the president and vice president.

Speaking to reporters, Wahono said he had one highly important task to do before relinquishing his seat as speaker.

"On Oct. 1, I will read out the Pancasila text at the Sacred Pancasila Monument," he said of next week's ceremony at Lubang Buaya, East Jakarta.

Indonesia observes Oct. 1 as Pancasila Sanctity Day, in commemoration of the success of the military operation under the then chief of Army Strategic Reserve Command, Maj. Gen. Soeharto, in suppressing a communist coup. (prb)