Suharto Faces Angry Nation

by Kafil Yamin

In his first directive aimed at quelling the unrest, Suharto revoked price hikes for fuel and electricity prices, which triggered the rash of demonstrations which turned bloody last week.

Jakarta was calmer Friday but the situation remained tense and thousands of people -- expatriates and ethnic Chinese -- prepared to flee the city devastated by looting, burning and wanton destruction.

Business ground to a halt as offices were deserted and foreign businessmen and their families moved to safer places like hotels in the city center.

The military, which was helpless during the chaos yesterday, increased their presence on the streets, deploying tanks, trucks and armored personnel carriers to deter any more mass actions.

Defense Minister Wiranto warned rioters and looters to stop their destructive behavior saying "the military will not hesitate to act harshly."

Maj.-Gen. Prabowo Subianto, commander of the army's strategic reserve and Suharto's son-in-law, said: "The (military) is pro-reform but against any form of destruction. I call on all groups of society to create stability and peace because reform can only be carried out under stability and a peaceful situation."

Suharto, who was in Cairo for a G-15 summit when chaos broke out earlier in the week, declared he was willing to step down, although it looks now that the decision is for the people -- and not him -- to make.

"If I am no longer trusted, I will become (a sage) and endeavor to get closer to God... I will guide the community and give advice. I will (provide support from behind)," the Jakarta Post quoted him as saying.

His remarks were prompted by demands for him to step down amidst the worsening economic crisis. The calls for his resignation grew louder after he raised fuel and electricity prices as part of reforms sought by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

But it was the killing by security forces of the six student demonstrators on May 12 which triggered the frenzy of violence yesterday which turned Jakarta into a war zone, terrifying both local and foreign businessmen.

The shooting incident galvanized the political opposition to Suharto, putting more pressure on the government to decide swiftly how to defuse the situation.

A group of intellectuals, activists and other pro-reform figures marched to the parliament building to ask the House to convene to consider the worsening political situation.

They were received by House Speaker Harmoko, a close Suharto ally, who said the House will convene to consider Suharto's offer to quit. "Mr. President has said he's willing to resign. We will discuss it right away. But we need time to prepare that. There rules to follow," Harmoko told the group.

Another opposition figure, Amin Rais, renewed his call for the military to decide immediately whether it would side with the majority or continue in its current stance of protecting the interests of only a handful.

Political scientist Deliar Noer said that judging from the behavior of the soldiers then and May 12, when the shooting incident occurred, it was becoming clear that troops were getting different orders from different commanders.

"It is obvious to me that the military now is not united," he said.

Another analyst believes that tougher measures, did not come from Wiranto, who is also the armed forces chied. "I think such stern order had come from Prabowo," he said.

Deliar Noer said he doubts Suharto's sincerity in wanting to step down to avert further violence, but added that the president did not have much of a choice.

"They (students) have gained the people's sympathy now. And as their movement goes stronger and stronger, Suharto will have no choice."

Another key factor is the military, he said, adding that if the military takes the side of the people and the students, Suharto's fall is only a matter of days or weeks.