(19 May 1998) Indonesian/Nat
The embattled president of Indonesia is vowing to stay in office -- for now -- to prepare his nation for a new political era.
In a nationally broadcast address on Tuesday, President Suharto said he would relinquish power after reshuffling his Cabinet and holding general elections as soon as possible.
His rule was thrown into question when the speaker of Parliament said lawmakers would demand Suharto's resignation for the sake of national unity.
The move - coming after weeks of student protests that culminated in 500 deaths in riots last week - means that Asia's longest-serving leader, in power for 32 years, will not finish his full term.
The 76-year-old president looked relaxed and confident as he greeted crowds before the television address.
Suharto said he would have no problem stepping down as Indonesia's leader.
But he stressed that doing so immediately would simply be irresponsible and would not solve Indonesia's crippling economic problems.
He said the constitution had to be adhered to or Indonesia could slide into "bloodshed and even civil war".
Suharto said he would proceed with plans to reshuffle his cabinet and set up a reform committee comprising representatives of the people and academics.
A general election will also be called - in which Suharto will not stand for the presidency.
SOUNDBITE: (Bahasa Indonesian)
"I don't want to be nominated for President again. I want to do my duty and deal with the economic and political crisis. So I will reshuffle the cabinet so the new cabinet will be a reformation cabinet"
SUPER CAPTION: President Suharto
About 5-thousand students were gathered outside the parliament building as Suharto made his speech, waving flags and cheered in jubilation at the announcement.
Suharto went on to express sorrow over the 500 deaths that occurred last week as a result of violence breaking out during protests against his rule.
SOUNDBITE: (Bahasa Indonesian)
"I want to give my deep condolences to the victims of events and the victims of the riots. And that God will take care of their souls and to the families God give them strength of faith"
SUPER CAPTION: President Suharto
At least 500 people were killed in Jakarta in the riots and anti-government protests over price increases.
Suharto went on to say that if he resigned now it would not be for the good of Indonesia, hence the reform plans.
SOUNDBITE: (Bahasa Indonesian)
"If I am no longer President I want to be a sage, getting closer to God and I will take care of my children. I will be a good citizen and serve the country as best I can."
SUPER CAPTION: President Suharto
Suharto's rule was thrown into the balance on Monday when the speaker of Parliament said lawmakers would demand Suharto's resignation for the sake of national unity.
The all-powerful military, headed by General Wiranto quashed the idea, saying it was unconstitutional.
Community leaders said Suharto's decision was a positive move towards a resolution of the crisis in Indonesia.
SOUNDBITE: (Bahasa Indonesian)
"It was his own initiative to reshuffle the cabinet. The appointment of a "reform committee" is a request from the people. This is a positive step, the best solution to the current state of things."
SUPER CAPTION: Abdurrahman Wahid, Head of Islamic Nahdlatul Utama group
And Nurcolish Madjid of the Islamic Foundation was pleased that Suharto had accepted the recommendations made after a meeting with the president on Tuesday morning.
SOUNDBITE: (Bahasa Indonesian)
Scenes of jubilation followed.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
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Негізгі бет INDONESIA: SUHARTO SAYS HE WILL STEP DOWN AFTER ELECTIONS
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