Try keeps lid on vice presidency

JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno just smiled yesterday when journalists tried to coax statements out of him about the possibility of him being reelected the second most senior official in the administration.

Try met yesterday with President Soeharto at the Bina Graha presidential office. It was his second visit to Soeharto's office in the past several weeks.

Before he met Soeharto, Try unexpectedly entered the press room, adjacent to President Soeharto's working room.

"This is a nostalgic visit for me," said Try, who celebrates his 62nd birthday today.

Try is familiar with the press room. He used to chat with journalists there while serving as Soeharto's adjutant from 1974 to 1978.

Try was coy on the vice presidency saying, "I just want to give a brotherly statement". He did not elaborate.

Since becoming vice president in 1993 he has rarely given statements to the press but remains amiable toward them.

During the press meeting, the retired Army general drew attention to the photos of Soeharto and himself on the wall.

Pointing to Soeharto's picture, a journalist joked about the vice presidency saying, "Many people are already queuing for the (vice presidential) position".

"No comment. I am afraid you will make news about this," he said smiling. After a 15-minute meeting with Soeharto the two leaders walked to Baiturrahim Mosque inside the palace compound for Friday prayers. (prb)