Soeharto's family welcomes reelection

JAKARTA (JP): Members of President Soeharto's family yesterday welcomed his seventh consecutive election and expressed confidence that he would lift the country out of the economic doldrums.

Four of his children, a daughter-in-law and a half brother, who are all members of the People's Consultative Assembly, expressed some concern at the challenges which lay ahead.

"We in the family fully support him," said his eldest daughter Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, more popularly known as Mbak (Elder sister) Tutut.

"We hope to God that this is the best for him," she added after a brief pause. "Father has said before, he would not only sacrifice his wealth, but also his body and soul for the country."

Soeharto's second son, Bambang Trihatmodjo, expressed gratitude at the trust placed in his father. "Thank you for electing him for the seventh time," Bambang said.

"We ask for the support and blessing of all the people to help father face the coming five years, which will be really hard.

His wife Halimah Bambang Trihatmodjo reiterated the same plea: "One thing we know is that these coming years will be filled with challenges. We are asking for prayers and blessings from the whole nation so we can all face these troubling years."

Soeharto's second daughter, Siti Hediati Prabowo, remained confident that her father would succeed in lifting the country out of its economic misery.

"Of course I am moved and proud that father was elected again. He will focus on how to get us out of the economic crisis," Siti Hediati, often referred to as Titik, said.

"We have been building this country for 30 years and only suddenly, in the last eight months, were we hit by such a disaster," she said.

"When he finishes his term, we will be ready to take off again," claimed Titik, who is married to Assembly member and army special forces commander Lt. Gen. Prabowo Subianto.

Soeharto's youngest son Hutomo Mandala Putra said Soeharto's reelection was evidence that nearly all Indonesians still trust him to lead the country.

"We hope during his twilight years, father will be able to lead again and that we will have a better cabinet," Hutomo said.

The President's half brother, businessman Probosutedjo, admitted that Soeharto faces one of his most difficult challenges ahead, but he quickly rebuffed suggestions that he would personally benefit from Soeharto's reelection.

"I am not the one who will benefit from his election. There are others who will benefit. Many people are hoping to be appointed as ministers," Probosutedjo said. (das)