(11 Mar 1998) Indonesian/Nat
Indonesian President Suharto took the oath of office in Jakarta Wednesday and began serving his seventh five-year term as leader.
The National People's Assembly (MPR) re-elected him this week, despite an economic crisis and growing public dissent.
Suharto called on the nation to share coming hardships, and said he hoped to be back to address the body five years from now.
With heavy security just outside, increasing criticism around the country, and economic scepticism from the international community, the inauguration unfolded.
Law enforcement has successfully prevented protests in the capital through intimidation and infiltration of activists.
The desire has been for the picture of a unified Indonesia renewing their trust in the nation's leadership.
In Jakarta this has been largely achieved.
The National Assembly itself is packed with Suharto supporters, business cronies and family members.
The body is made up of five factions, including the military and ruling Golkar party.
It also takes in the Muslim United Development party, Indonesian Democratic Party and regional representatives.
Of course all of the real power sits with Suharto himself.
He was the only candidate on the ballot and he has mandated that only close associate BJ Habibie will be nominated for vice president.
The swearing in was brief and unspectacular.
He also had the task of signing the four decrees passed by the Assembly.
One grants him vague new emergency powers, to be used for the good of the security of the state.
Before the session closed the president made a relatively brief address.
His message centered on the sharing of hardships as the economy tries to recover from the devastating loss of currency value that has seen the rupiah drop 70 percent since the middle of last year.
SOUNDBITE: (Indonesian)
"As a nation, we must tighten our belts. As an individual, as a group, some of us may lead an affluent life. But, as a nation, we can no longer afford to lead an extravagant life. During the present hardship, we need precisely a stronger solidarity, a sense of sharing the same fate and destiny."
SUPER CAPTION: Suharto, Indonesian President
There have already been numerous calls for Suharto to step down.
Prior to his nomination even his children had talked about possible retirement before this election.
However, during his speech Suharto appeared to leave the door open to an eighth term.
SOUNDBITE: (Indonesian)
"God willing, five years from now I shall stand on this rostrum to present the accountability of my leadership before the Indonesian people's representatives."
SUPER CAPTION: Suharto, Indonesian President
The next few months are considered by many experts to be crucial to Indonesia's financial future.
The President has sent mixed signals about his willingness to live by conditions of the 43 (b) billion dollar I-M-F bailout plan.
He has also indicated he may institute a currency board, fixing the rupiah to the dollar at a rate twice as strong as it currently stands.
This plan has been opposed by the I-M-F, the U-S, Britain and other lenders and aid donors.
Many see the board as a quick fix to boost asset values of family and business associates.
Suharto is expected to stay home while the Research and Technology Minister, Habibie, is sworn in late Wednesday.
Habibie's selection will further consolidate the President's grip on all levers of Indonesian politics.
It also appears to set up a successor, who may or may not be able to hold together the nation's political factions.
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