Text of Soeharto's resignation speech
Text of Soeharto's resignation speech
JAKARTA (JP): "During these recent times, I have been following
carefully the development of our country, especially the demands
of the people for reforms in all aspects in the life of our
nation and state.
"Based on my deep understanding of these aspirations, and
prompted by the conviction that these reforms need to be
implemented in an orderly, peaceful and constitutional manner for
the sake of maintaining the unity and cohesion of the nation, and
the continuity of the national development, I had earlier
declared a plan to form the committee for reform and to change
the composition of the Seventh Development cabinet.
"But, the reality to date has shown that the committee for
reform cannot be formed because there was no adequate response to
the plan to form that committee.
"In the wish of implementing these reforms in the best manner
possible, I deem that faced with the impossibility of forming the
committee, changes in the composition of the Seventh Development
Cabinet are no longer necessary.
"Considering the above development, I am of the opinion that
it would be very difficult for me to implement in a good manner,
duties in governing the state and in development.
"Therefore, in line with article 8 of the 1945 Constitution
and after earnestly taking into consideration the views of the
leadership of House of Representatives and the leadership of the
factions in it, I have decided to declare that I have ceased to
be the president of the Republic of Indonesia as of the time I
read this on this day, Thursday, May 21, 1998.
"I have conveyed this statement, about me stepping down from
the post of president of the Republic of Indonesia, to you,
leaders of the House of Representatives, who are also the leaders
of the People's Consultative Assembly, during the opportunity for
a meeting.
"In line with article 8 of the 1945 constitution, the vice
president of the Republic of Indonesia, professor, doctor,
engineer B.J. Habibie is the one who will conclude the remainder
of the presidential term, holder of the mandate of the MPR, for
1998-2003.
"For the assistance and support of the people while I led the
nation and state of Indonesia, I express my thanks and I seek
forgiveness if there was any mistakes and shortcomings.
"May the Indonesian nation remain victorious with Pancasila
and the 1945 constitution.
"As of this day too, the Seventh Development Cabinet is
disbanded and to the ministers I express my thanks.
"Because conditions do not allow the taking of oath in front
of the House of Representatives, to prevent a vacuum of
leadership in implementing the governing of the state, the vice
president should now take his oath before the Supreme Court of
the Republic of Indonesia."