Soeharto's resignation 'only way to save the state'

SUMEDANG, West Java (JP): President B.J. Habibie described yesterday the transfer of duty from Soeharto to him in May as a historic milestone in the country's reform process to become a more democratic and open nation.

At an induction of 611 graduates from the state-run Public Administration Institute (STPDN) here, Habibie noted that the old system built by the New Order administration since 1966 was no longer able to accommodate people's aspiration or resolve the economic and political turmoil.

"In such a situation there was no other alternative for the president (Soeharto) to save the state and the nation but to declare his resignation.

"The vice president (Habibie), as ruled in the 1945 Constitution, then replaced him as president," Habibie said.

Habibie replaced Soeharto on May 21, after nationwide protests and riots.

Habibie called on the people yesterday to work hand in hand to end the economic crisis.

"By doing that we can develop a more democratic, open and accommodating government," the President noted.

STPDN was designed to train future public administration officers, with most graduates working in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to state protocol, the President has the prerogative to induct STPDN and Military Academy graduates.

Yesterday evening, Habibie opened the first congress of the Indonesian Television Journalists Association at the Bina Graha presidential office.

In his opening remarks, the President reminded the members of their obligation to make objective and balanced reports.

The President preceded his three-page speech with a one-hour off-the-cuff commentary which he described as an "introduction".

The ceremony was attended by about 200 journalists, and leaders of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI).

The Indonesian Television Journalists Association was formed last month and boasts a membership of 400. There are six television stations in Indonesia -- TPI, SCTV, RCTI, ANteve, Indosiar and the state-owned TVRI.

Habibie said television stations should not only undertake helpful criticism but also be ready to be criticized.

"If they are ready to criticize other people then they must also be willing to be the target of criticism," he noted.

Habibie also gave a tip to TV station bosses on how to recruit journalists.

"It is better to have lazy but smart staff, than diligent but stupid employees because the more diligent the stupid staff are, the more mistakes are made," he said, bursting into laughter. (prb/43)