Wiranto denies report Soeharto ruling ABRI

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)