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Journalism of Courage
JAKARTA, May 18: Indonesian armed forces Commander General Wiranto dismissed a call by the speaker of parliament today for President Suharto to resign, setting the stage for a confrontation between civilians and military.
Reading a brief statement in clipped tones, Wiranto said Suharto remained responsible for steering the nation through reform and that Speaker Harmoko had made an individual statement with no legal power. Separately, Intelligence Chief Moetojib told reporters Suharto, 76, was “calm” and would explain political developments tomorrow – breaking a public silence maintained since he rushed back early from a state visit to Egypt on Friday to cope with anti-government riots.
In London, US President Bill Clinton urged Indonesia’s military to exercise restraint. “What we’re looking for now and what we’re going to be working for is the restoration of order without violence and the genuine opening of a political dialogue that gives all parties a substantial feeling they’re part of it,” Clintontold a news conference prior to the latest developments.
The official news agency Antara released a picture of Suharto today puffing a large cigar during a consultation with a cabinet minister. Wiranto called on people not to demonstrate on Wednesday, when anti-Suharto Muslim leader Amien Rais has said he would put millions on the streets to push for Suharto’s resignation.
Meanwhile, several countries have begun evacuating their nationals from the burning capital.
