(21 May 1998) Indonesian/Nat
President Suharto resigned on Thursday after days of violence and protest made his 32-year grip on power untenable.
In a nationwide television address, Suharto asked forgiveness for "any mistakes or shortcomings".
Vice-President Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie was immediately sworn in as the new president of the world's fourth most populous nation.
Immediately after the swearing-in, Indonesia's armed forces commander said the army supports the transition of power.
Suharto has ended 32 years as the autocratic head of Indonesia.
He resigned on Thursday, driven to the wall by Indonesia's economic crash and a week of deadly rioting.
SOUNDBITE: (Indonesian)
"I have decided to resign as President of the Republic of Indonesia as of the reading of this statement on Thursday, May 21 1998. The statement of my resignation as president I deliver this before you, the parliament leadership, who are also leaders of the People's Consultative Assembly. I also take this opportunity to wish them well."
SUPER CAPTION: Suharto, Former Indonesian President
Suharto asked forgiveness for "any mistakes or shortcomings" in a televised nationwide address.
Just a few days ago, such a statement would have been unthinkable from the powerful, iron-fisted leader.
SOUNDBITE: (Indonesian)
"In accordance with Article 8 of the 1945 Constitution, the Vice President Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie will carry on the remaining presidential term from 1998 to 2003. With regard to the health and the support of our society during my leadership of this country and its republic, (close up Suharto) I express my deepest gratitude and my deepest sorrow if there were mistakes, failures or shortcomings. Hopefully, the people of Indonesia will remain victorious based on Pancasila (the state ideology) and the 1945 Constitution."
SUPER CAPTION: Suharto, Former Indonesian President
Vice President Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie, a close Suharto ally, was immediately sworn in as the new president.
Suharto's announcement that Habibie would serve out the remaining presidential term, which runs until the year 2003, was a surprise move.
There was no mention of a transitional government and elections by
the end of the year, though both had been expected to be announced
on Thursday.
That was likely to anger opposition forces, which have been demanding quicker reforms and a total revamp of the Suharto regime.
They are unlikely to trust Habibie, a friend to Suharto since boyhood.
SOUNDBITE: (Indonesian)
"In accordance with Article 9 of the 1945 Constitution, on becoming president I now take the oath according to my religion as a Muslim. That is in the name of Allah I will do my responsibility as the president of the Republic of Indonesia."
SUPER CAPTION: Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie, Indonesian President
The leader of the growing opposition movement withheld his support for the new government, saying he wanted to wait and see what sort of Cabinet Habibie assembles.
Amien Rais said if the Cabinet consists of "corrupt people" and "stinks of nepotism," then "I will not endorse Habibie's government."
Immediately after the swearing-in, General Wiranto, the armed forces commander, said that the army supports the transition of power from Suharto to Habibie.
He asked the Indonesian people to remain calm and maintained that the powerful Suharto family would continue to be protected.
SOUNDBITE: (Indonesian)
"With high regard to the culture and legacy of our nation, we will take great efforts to continue to protect the family affiliates of the president and all parliamentary leaders."
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