Wiranto's hard work eventually paid off

The victory of former military commander Gen. (ret) Wiranto, 57, over Golkar Party leader Akbar Tandjung just after midnight (early Wednesday), had been predicted by some, as he was perceived to be Akbar's main rival. His hard work to forge a political career after retiring from the Indonesian Military (TNI) in 1999, paid off.

Months before the Golkar convention to elect its presidential candidate Wiranto had been busy working on his image -- both as a man tied to the New Order, which used the military to ensure the lasting power of rulers, and as the former military chief indicted for crimes against humanity by the serious crimes unit of the district court in Dili, East Timor.

As TNI commander and minister of defense, he is charged for failing to prevent the killings and destruction following the 1999 referendum in which most East Timorese voted for separation from Indonesia. Prosecutors are seeking an arrest warrant for him.

In response to this issue, which could raise domestic and international objections to his presidency, Wiranto's testimony titled Witness before the storm was published.

Following president Soeharto's resignation, Wiranto made a number of gestures as part of the military's effort to show it was no longer a political tool. He apologized to the people of Aceh, now Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, and ended the 10-year military operation there. Also, he announced TNI's "new paradigm", in which the territorial function -- an extension of the military's powerful social and political role in the provinces and regencies -- would gradually end.

His admirers credit him for making the crucial decision not to take power in the tense days of the transfer from Soeharto to BJ Habibie, whose rise to the presidency was legally questioned. Wiranto was trusted to serve as minister under presidents Soeharto, Habibie and Abdurrahman.

In common with his main rival, Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, he enjoys a good audience when singing. He also once led the national associations of bridge and karate.

A unique touch to his campaign on Tuesday, was the announcement published in major dailies of the result of an essay contest for students themed "If I were president of Indonesia." The advertisement bore Wiranto's picture and the slogan: "Now I hear you!"

Excerpts of Wiranto's biodata: Born: Yogyakarta, April 4, 1947 Education: Military Academy (graduated 1968)

Army Staff and Command School (1984)

Institute of National Resilience (best graduate, 1995) Career: Adjutant to former president Soeharto, 1989-1993

Jakarta military commander, 1994-1996.

Commander, Army's Strategic Reserves Command, 1996- 1997

TNI commander/Minister of defense, 1998-1999

Coordinating minister for political and security affairs, 1999-2000