Wiranto denies report Soeharto ruling ABRI

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security Affairs/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto admitted yesterday he is still personally close to former president Soeharto but insisted the relationship did not influence Armed Forces decision-making.

He told journalists at the Armed Forces' Merdeka Barat headquarters in Central Jakarta that the Armed Forces (ABRI) had no structural relationship with Soeharto anymore.

"ABRI does not receive direct orders or instructions from former president Soeharto," he said. "All of the accusations that ABRI is under his control are untrue".

He, however, admitted that he could not avoid maintaining a "cultural relationship" with Soeharto.

"I admit that as a former adjutant, I'm personally close with pak Harto," he said.

He said that as an Indonesian, who adheres to an Eastern culture, he could not simply discard past good relations with Soeharto just because the latter is no longer president.

"Why should we be afraid or unwilling to meet the former president," he asked.

While he holds no official position since stepping down on May. 21, speculation continues to circulate that Soeharto retains influence over ABRI's top brass.

During most of his public appearances, which have been very few and usually centered around Friday prayers, Soeharto has been seen accompanied by a senior ABRI officer.

On June 5 Soeharto performed Friday prayers at the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in East Jakarta, accompanied by outgoing Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

On June 12 he held Friday prayers at the ABRI's Cilangkap headquarters.

Last Friday Soeharto attended prayers at the Army's headquarters in Central Jakarta and met Army chief of staff Gen. Subagyo Hadisiswoyo. (imn)