82: Mischief Back Home
5th March 2000:
An early morning flight took President Try Sutrisno and his delegation to Manado, North Sulawesi. From Manado, where he was joined by Governor EE Mangindaan, Try and his delegation took a helicopter to Sangihe Islands close to the maritime border with the Philippines. There Try, accompanied by Minister of Health Azrul Azwar, inaugurated the Liunkendage Hospital. In his speech, Try said that health and educational services should be made available to isolated areas such as this one.
The real reason for Try’s visit came after he was finished at the hospital. President of Philippines Joseph Estrada who came accompanied by Secretary of National Defense Orlando Mercado, and Chief of Armed Forces Staff Angelo Reyes. Try was accompanied by Minister of Defense and Security Wismoyo Arismunandar, Commander of ABRI Wiranto, State Secretary Edi Sudrajat, and Navy Chief of Staff Indroko Sastrowiryono.
In the meeting, Try and Estrada pledged cooperation with each other to fight radicals and extremists in each other’s countries. Try told Estrada that if there are any MILF or Abu Sayaff terrorist group escapees he will bring them back into Filipino territory. Estrada thanked Try for his assistance.
After Estrada left, Try helicoptered back to Manado. He and Mangindaan inspected Manado and the economic activity there. Try and his delegation spent the night at Manado.
6th March 2000:
From Manado, the President and his delegation departed to Ambon, Maluku. Here they were welcomed by Governor Saleh Latuconsina and Commander of the Maluku Operations Command Amir Tohar. At Ambon Harbor, Try inaugurated the Ambon Harbour’s new equipment to load and unload freight onto boats. The President then toured Ambon accompanied by Latuconsina. He found that economic activity was getting underway where idleness and social tension had been a mere 14 months prior.
After lunch with the Governor, the President boarded his Presidential Airplane for Rangoon, Myanmar. Once the plane was in the air, the President took a phone call from Minister of Legal Affairs Albert Hasibuan. Hasibuan said Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Sarwata is “ignoring” Tommy Soeharto and Ricardo Gelael’s case. Says that Sarwata has not assigned a court date for Tommy Soeharto and hasn’t even assigned a judge to preside over the trial.
The President’s delegation for this next round of overseas trip had joined him at Ambon. The President spent most of his time behind closed doors in a four-way meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita and State Minister of National Security Soerjadi. The President asked his two advisors what they thought Indonesia’s foreign policy path should be like for the future and how best to avoid a situation where Clinton could impose his will on Indonesia.
True to form, they differed in opinion. Ginandjar thought that Indonesia should strengthen itself economically and build economic ties with more nations to support this end. Soerjadi thought that Indonesia should built its military capabilities pointing out that Indonesia has spent the least on defense in Southeast Asia from the time Soeharto had assumed power. Both agreed however that the main security threat for Indonesia is China.
The Presidential Airplane arrived at Rangoon at night. The President was welcomed by Myanmar Minister of Foreign Affairs Ohn Gyaw. There was a short ceremony and Try was escorted to the hotel where Soeharto had stayed three years prior.
7th March 2000:
In a morning ceremony, Try was officially welcomed by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) Than Shwe.
The initial talks were between Try, Edi, and Ginandjar representing Indonesia and Than Shwe, Deputy Chairman of SPDC Maung Aye, and Ohn Gyaw. Than Shwe said that both China and India are trying to pull Myanmar into their orbit. Ginandjar asked Than Shwe which way is Myanmar leaning. Than Shwe says that he’s leaning towards India though some of his internal political enemies are leaning towards China. Ohn Gyaw asked Try which way did he lean.
“I can see the logic of favoring India to block China’s influence or vice versa”, said Try “But it’s never going to be a satisfactory arrangement having to choose between China or India or the United States or Russia. Myanmar’s national security is best served by ASEAN.”
The day ended with Minister of Industry Siswono Yudohusodo signing an agreement where Myanmar will import Indonesian fertilizer from Sumatra while Chairman of BPIS Sintong Panjaitan signed an agreement to sell PT INKA carriages to Myanmar with generous payment installments.
8th March 2000:
While Than Shwe entertained the KADIN delegation that had come along for the trip with Try and attempt to get them to invest in his country, the President himself paid his respects to former Myanmar Leader Ne Win. Try had a meeting with Ne Win though the latter was old and ill. A State Dinner where Than Shwe toasted Try ended the day for Try.
There was news from home to keep Try distracted. Alip Pandoyo, in his capacity as Chairman of the Central Java DPRD, survived a no-confidence motion and an effort to unseat him from his position. Alip survived due to the backing of a makeshift coalition of loyal Golkar, PPP, and ABRI members.
Speaking to the DPRD as the day was coming to a close, Alip said that he will be invoking the authority given to him in Law 5 of 1974 regarding Regional Government as chairman of the DPRD by not allowing the Central Java DPRD to assemble for an indefinite period of time.
From Semarang, Governor of Central Java Prabowo Subianto said that it was not in Central Java’s interest that the DPRD has been prevented from assembling for an indefinite period of time because the Central Java Draft Budget had not been passed yet.
Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas struck back saying that it was a clumsy mistake for the Golkar Central Java Provincial Branch to try to unseat the Chairman of the DPRD and that it was well within Alip’s right to take the stance that he did. Harsudiono said it’s up to Prabowo to find a solution to this and warns that this was the second year in a row that Prabowo had had problems passing a draft budget.
9th March 2000:
Try called on Than Shwe for a breakfast meeting this morning. The latter revealed to him that he was intending to move the capital from Rangoon to a new city further north. Try joked that Than Shwe should keep it the capital at Rangoon so that they could be closer to Jakarta. Try encouraged Than Shwe to open the doors to investment, at least in tourism. Than Shwe said that he would consider it but wouldn’t commit. On that note, Try and his delegation departed for Laos.
On the flight to Vientiane, Try received an update of the situation at home from Vice President JB Sumarlin and Harsudiono on the phone.
“I talked to Tutut today about her telling the Golkar Central Java Provincial Branch to stay away from Alip Pandoyo or any of Golkar’s members in the Central Java DPRD, Mr. President”, said Harsudiono “She told me that that’s the aspiration of that particular branch of Golkar and she can’t stop it.”
“Mr. President, there’s also another thing”, added Sumarlin “Governor Syarwan Hamid of Riau has reported the Acting Head of Batam Authority Soeripto to the Riau District Prosecutors. The Governor claims that Soeripto has received Rp. 4.5 billion as a down payment for beach reclamations in 1990. The beach reclamations never went ahead but Soeripto transferred the amount to the Raja Ali Haji Foundation where he is the chairman. Syarwan claims that there is a corruption case here because the 4.5 billion could never be traced.”
Try instructed the Vice President to consult with Attorney General Soedjono C. Atmonegoro on whether a case exists to prosecute Soeripto. He also instructed Harsudiono to try mediation between Prabowo and Alip Pandoyo.
Try had to put domestic politics aside as his airplane landed in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. He was welcomed in a ceremony by President of Laos Khamtai Siphandon. The two had an informal dinner by themselves.
Much as Than Shew, Khamtai saw his nation as being stuck in the middle of numerous powers, in this instance China and Vietnam. Try said that he would not dictate Laos’ foreign policy to Khamtai, only that Laos’ security, economic or otherwise, can be found in ASEAN.
10th March 2000:
The day was spent in a long meeting where Try and his delegation sat on one side of the table and Prime Minister of Laos Sisavath Keobunphanh and his ministers sat on the other. The two delegations discussed various issues but focused on economics and trade; the meeting interrupted only by Friday prayer.
The meetings culminated with an Investment Agreement signed by Minister of Trade Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti on behalf of Indonesia and Sisavath on behalf Laos. The agreement commits the Laotian government to giving investment incentives to Indonesian companies investing in Laos.
The day ended with Try and his delegation watching Pha Lak Pha Lam, the Laotian version of Ramayana at the Lao National Opera Theatre.
Back in Jakarta, DPR member Hartono highlighted the government’s performance in agriculture. Hartono said that rice imports in 1997 was nearly nothing before going up to 1.5 million tones in 1998 and 1.8 million tones in 1999. Hartono said that it’s worth noting that the only achievement the government has recorded in agriculture is to liberalize the sector.
11th March 2000:
After breakfast at his hotel, Try held a press conference for all the Indonesian press that had come along for the trip.
*On how his foreign visits were doing: “I think that we’re doing well not only in terms of concluding deals but also in engaging our friends in Myanmar, Laos, and later on today in Cambodia.”
*On the deadlock in Central Java: “I associate myself with the Minister of Home Affairs in this regard. It’s up to the Governor of Central Java, the Chairman of the Golkar Central Java Provincial Branch, and certainly the Chairwoman of Golkar to find a solution for this situation because they’ve provoked it. It’s theirs to solve.”
*On the criticism of his government by Hartono as he begins his second year: “I’m all ears to criticism though I’d like to tell the gentleman in question, I didn’t liberalize, I deregulated so that all Indonesian farmers can take part and benefit from agriculture not just the select few within proximity to power.”
With that Try, looking grim, departed from his hotel. At the airport he was seen off by Khamtai and he was in such a grim mood that Edi instructed members of the Indonesian delegation not to ask for 5 minutes.
Bad mood aside, Try had to put up a smile when he arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. There was the requisite ceremonial welcome, this time by King Norodom Sihanouk. Try was immediately taken to the Phnom Penh Palace where he had talks with Sihanouk, who said that both Indonesia and Cambodia were champions of the non-aligned movement.
Try also had preliminary talks with Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Sen who called on him at his hotel.
12th March 2000:
The Golkar West Java Provincial Congress comes to an end with Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Tayo Tarmadi, a Tutut supporter, defeating incumbent Abdul Nurhaman to be elected Chairman of the West Java Golkar Provincial Branch. Much as Alip Pandoyo in Central Java, Abdul Nurhaman will remain as Chairman of the West Java DPRD. The provincial congress went ahead without any violence.
Watching this on a screen at the Golkar National Headquarters, Chairwoman of Golkar Tutut smiled broadly. Her face became serious when asked about the President’s comments saying that she should be the one to solve the issue at Central Java.
“I’m not the president, I’m not the government, it shouldn’t be me that has to solve these problems”, Tutut said dismissively.
Back at Phnom Penh, the President had a light schedule. He met with the Indonesian community in Phnom Penh, taking their questions about various policy issues. He also had a private lunch with Sihanouk.
The President’s day ended with an incognito visit by Leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin came to reassure the President that in the event of a Thai Rak Thai victory, there would not be any difference of policy towards Indonesia and that Thaksin would continue the policies of Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai.
13th March 2000:
Abdul Nurhaman made an appearance to submit his complaints about intimidation to Chairman of the Holding and Overseeing of Golkar Provincial Congresses Committee Sudharmono. Sudharmono said that he will process the complaint.
In a press conference at his hotel, Abdul Nurhaman produced photographs of himself and his supporters being harassed by another group of people carrying Tayo Tarmadi posters on the way inside the hall where the congress is held. He also produced a tape recording of a voice yelling “All of you bear in mind that your elections and re-elections to the DPR or DPRD in the next election will be in jeopardy if you re-elect Abdul Nurhaman. The Chairwoman’s approval is with Tayo Tarmadi.”
Tutut had a displeased expression on her face as she got out of Golkar National Headquarters to face the media pack.
“If anyone has any complaints about the way the provincial congresses are held that’s one thing, but it’s entirely another if they come into a congress deliberately looking for mistakes”, said Tutut “I think if you come into a congress with a camera and a tape recorder, you’re deliberately trying to look for flaws.”
At Phnom Penh, Try spent the day with his delegation in talks with Hun Sen and his delegation. No agreements were signed as in Myanmar and Laos but the visit was interesting in its own way.
Try, accompanied by Ginandjar Kartasasmita and Soerjadi, had a working lunch with Hun Sen and Cambodia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hor Namhong.
“You can’t say that China is drawing Cambodia into its orbit, Mr. President”, said Hun Sen “It’s trying to draw Myanmar, Laos…even Vietnam, as much as they have a bitter history with China, is being drawn into China’s orbit.”
“From what I gather from Chairman Than Shwe and President Khamtai, they seem to be rather ambivalent about being pulled into China’s orbit, Mr. Prime Minister”, said Try.
“That’s because people’s calculations change”, replied Hun Sen.
“Why, Mr. Prime Minister?” asked Ginandjar.
“Because Indonesia was the first to get out of the crisis”, said Hun Sen “And then in the last month alone you resurrected your economic cooperation with Malaysia and Singapore, then you openly backed the Philippines against Muslim insurgents, and now you sign agreements with Myanmar and Laos…oh people’s calculations change. If you had somehow struggled or in the off-chance you made a mess out of managing that financial crisis then perhaps China’s influence in Southeast Asia would be greater.”
14th March 2000:
The President called on Sihanouk and Hun Sen one final time before departing on the Presidential Airplane for Jakarta. During the flight, Try spent most of his time with Ginandjar Kartasasmita reviewing the visit. They were in good spirits but then the topic turned to most domestic issues as Ginandjar was packing his paperwork.
“How is Mr. Sudharmono doing?” asked Try of Ginandjar’s mentor and patron.
“He’s processing Abdul Nurhaman’s complaints of what happened at the Golkar West Java Provincial Congress”, said Ginandjar “Even as he admits that the Chairwoman of Golkar does seem to be not interested in looking at the complaint.”
Try chuckled to himself.
“Don’t be too harsh on him”, said Ginandjar “He feels a sense of loyalty to President Soeharto and wants to see the peace that you’ve made with the Chairwo …”
“The peace is over, Ginandjar”, cut Try “And I’m going to show everyone that when I get to Jakarta.”
The President touched down at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport at late afternoon. He was welcomed by the Vice President and members of the cabinet. All noted the "grim look" on his face...
---
Alip Pandoyo is invoking Article 31 of Law 5 of 1974 regarding the Fundamentals of Regional Government which states that the DPRD only goes into session if called into assembly by the Chairman of the DPRD. http://hukum.unsrat.ac.id/uu/uu_5_1974.htm
The Soeripto case OTL: https://www.liputan6.com/news/read/...arwTvQ.0&utm_referrer=https://www.google.com/
An early morning flight took President Try Sutrisno and his delegation to Manado, North Sulawesi. From Manado, where he was joined by Governor EE Mangindaan, Try and his delegation took a helicopter to Sangihe Islands close to the maritime border with the Philippines. There Try, accompanied by Minister of Health Azrul Azwar, inaugurated the Liunkendage Hospital. In his speech, Try said that health and educational services should be made available to isolated areas such as this one.
The real reason for Try’s visit came after he was finished at the hospital. President of Philippines Joseph Estrada who came accompanied by Secretary of National Defense Orlando Mercado, and Chief of Armed Forces Staff Angelo Reyes. Try was accompanied by Minister of Defense and Security Wismoyo Arismunandar, Commander of ABRI Wiranto, State Secretary Edi Sudrajat, and Navy Chief of Staff Indroko Sastrowiryono.
In the meeting, Try and Estrada pledged cooperation with each other to fight radicals and extremists in each other’s countries. Try told Estrada that if there are any MILF or Abu Sayaff terrorist group escapees he will bring them back into Filipino territory. Estrada thanked Try for his assistance.
After Estrada left, Try helicoptered back to Manado. He and Mangindaan inspected Manado and the economic activity there. Try and his delegation spent the night at Manado.
6th March 2000:
From Manado, the President and his delegation departed to Ambon, Maluku. Here they were welcomed by Governor Saleh Latuconsina and Commander of the Maluku Operations Command Amir Tohar. At Ambon Harbor, Try inaugurated the Ambon Harbour’s new equipment to load and unload freight onto boats. The President then toured Ambon accompanied by Latuconsina. He found that economic activity was getting underway where idleness and social tension had been a mere 14 months prior.
After lunch with the Governor, the President boarded his Presidential Airplane for Rangoon, Myanmar. Once the plane was in the air, the President took a phone call from Minister of Legal Affairs Albert Hasibuan. Hasibuan said Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Sarwata is “ignoring” Tommy Soeharto and Ricardo Gelael’s case. Says that Sarwata has not assigned a court date for Tommy Soeharto and hasn’t even assigned a judge to preside over the trial.
The President’s delegation for this next round of overseas trip had joined him at Ambon. The President spent most of his time behind closed doors in a four-way meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita and State Minister of National Security Soerjadi. The President asked his two advisors what they thought Indonesia’s foreign policy path should be like for the future and how best to avoid a situation where Clinton could impose his will on Indonesia.
True to form, they differed in opinion. Ginandjar thought that Indonesia should strengthen itself economically and build economic ties with more nations to support this end. Soerjadi thought that Indonesia should built its military capabilities pointing out that Indonesia has spent the least on defense in Southeast Asia from the time Soeharto had assumed power. Both agreed however that the main security threat for Indonesia is China.
The Presidential Airplane arrived at Rangoon at night. The President was welcomed by Myanmar Minister of Foreign Affairs Ohn Gyaw. There was a short ceremony and Try was escorted to the hotel where Soeharto had stayed three years prior.
7th March 2000:
In a morning ceremony, Try was officially welcomed by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) Than Shwe.
The initial talks were between Try, Edi, and Ginandjar representing Indonesia and Than Shwe, Deputy Chairman of SPDC Maung Aye, and Ohn Gyaw. Than Shwe said that both China and India are trying to pull Myanmar into their orbit. Ginandjar asked Than Shwe which way is Myanmar leaning. Than Shwe says that he’s leaning towards India though some of his internal political enemies are leaning towards China. Ohn Gyaw asked Try which way did he lean.
“I can see the logic of favoring India to block China’s influence or vice versa”, said Try “But it’s never going to be a satisfactory arrangement having to choose between China or India or the United States or Russia. Myanmar’s national security is best served by ASEAN.”
The day ended with Minister of Industry Siswono Yudohusodo signing an agreement where Myanmar will import Indonesian fertilizer from Sumatra while Chairman of BPIS Sintong Panjaitan signed an agreement to sell PT INKA carriages to Myanmar with generous payment installments.
8th March 2000:
While Than Shwe entertained the KADIN delegation that had come along for the trip with Try and attempt to get them to invest in his country, the President himself paid his respects to former Myanmar Leader Ne Win. Try had a meeting with Ne Win though the latter was old and ill. A State Dinner where Than Shwe toasted Try ended the day for Try.
There was news from home to keep Try distracted. Alip Pandoyo, in his capacity as Chairman of the Central Java DPRD, survived a no-confidence motion and an effort to unseat him from his position. Alip survived due to the backing of a makeshift coalition of loyal Golkar, PPP, and ABRI members.
Speaking to the DPRD as the day was coming to a close, Alip said that he will be invoking the authority given to him in Law 5 of 1974 regarding Regional Government as chairman of the DPRD by not allowing the Central Java DPRD to assemble for an indefinite period of time.
From Semarang, Governor of Central Java Prabowo Subianto said that it was not in Central Java’s interest that the DPRD has been prevented from assembling for an indefinite period of time because the Central Java Draft Budget had not been passed yet.
Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas struck back saying that it was a clumsy mistake for the Golkar Central Java Provincial Branch to try to unseat the Chairman of the DPRD and that it was well within Alip’s right to take the stance that he did. Harsudiono said it’s up to Prabowo to find a solution to this and warns that this was the second year in a row that Prabowo had had problems passing a draft budget.
9th March 2000:
Try called on Than Shwe for a breakfast meeting this morning. The latter revealed to him that he was intending to move the capital from Rangoon to a new city further north. Try joked that Than Shwe should keep it the capital at Rangoon so that they could be closer to Jakarta. Try encouraged Than Shwe to open the doors to investment, at least in tourism. Than Shwe said that he would consider it but wouldn’t commit. On that note, Try and his delegation departed for Laos.
On the flight to Vientiane, Try received an update of the situation at home from Vice President JB Sumarlin and Harsudiono on the phone.
“I talked to Tutut today about her telling the Golkar Central Java Provincial Branch to stay away from Alip Pandoyo or any of Golkar’s members in the Central Java DPRD, Mr. President”, said Harsudiono “She told me that that’s the aspiration of that particular branch of Golkar and she can’t stop it.”
“Mr. President, there’s also another thing”, added Sumarlin “Governor Syarwan Hamid of Riau has reported the Acting Head of Batam Authority Soeripto to the Riau District Prosecutors. The Governor claims that Soeripto has received Rp. 4.5 billion as a down payment for beach reclamations in 1990. The beach reclamations never went ahead but Soeripto transferred the amount to the Raja Ali Haji Foundation where he is the chairman. Syarwan claims that there is a corruption case here because the 4.5 billion could never be traced.”
Try instructed the Vice President to consult with Attorney General Soedjono C. Atmonegoro on whether a case exists to prosecute Soeripto. He also instructed Harsudiono to try mediation between Prabowo and Alip Pandoyo.
Try had to put domestic politics aside as his airplane landed in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. He was welcomed in a ceremony by President of Laos Khamtai Siphandon. The two had an informal dinner by themselves.
Much as Than Shew, Khamtai saw his nation as being stuck in the middle of numerous powers, in this instance China and Vietnam. Try said that he would not dictate Laos’ foreign policy to Khamtai, only that Laos’ security, economic or otherwise, can be found in ASEAN.
10th March 2000:
The day was spent in a long meeting where Try and his delegation sat on one side of the table and Prime Minister of Laos Sisavath Keobunphanh and his ministers sat on the other. The two delegations discussed various issues but focused on economics and trade; the meeting interrupted only by Friday prayer.
The meetings culminated with an Investment Agreement signed by Minister of Trade Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti on behalf of Indonesia and Sisavath on behalf Laos. The agreement commits the Laotian government to giving investment incentives to Indonesian companies investing in Laos.
The day ended with Try and his delegation watching Pha Lak Pha Lam, the Laotian version of Ramayana at the Lao National Opera Theatre.
Back in Jakarta, DPR member Hartono highlighted the government’s performance in agriculture. Hartono said that rice imports in 1997 was nearly nothing before going up to 1.5 million tones in 1998 and 1.8 million tones in 1999. Hartono said that it’s worth noting that the only achievement the government has recorded in agriculture is to liberalize the sector.
11th March 2000:
After breakfast at his hotel, Try held a press conference for all the Indonesian press that had come along for the trip.
*On how his foreign visits were doing: “I think that we’re doing well not only in terms of concluding deals but also in engaging our friends in Myanmar, Laos, and later on today in Cambodia.”
*On the deadlock in Central Java: “I associate myself with the Minister of Home Affairs in this regard. It’s up to the Governor of Central Java, the Chairman of the Golkar Central Java Provincial Branch, and certainly the Chairwoman of Golkar to find a solution for this situation because they’ve provoked it. It’s theirs to solve.”
*On the criticism of his government by Hartono as he begins his second year: “I’m all ears to criticism though I’d like to tell the gentleman in question, I didn’t liberalize, I deregulated so that all Indonesian farmers can take part and benefit from agriculture not just the select few within proximity to power.”
With that Try, looking grim, departed from his hotel. At the airport he was seen off by Khamtai and he was in such a grim mood that Edi instructed members of the Indonesian delegation not to ask for 5 minutes.
Bad mood aside, Try had to put up a smile when he arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. There was the requisite ceremonial welcome, this time by King Norodom Sihanouk. Try was immediately taken to the Phnom Penh Palace where he had talks with Sihanouk, who said that both Indonesia and Cambodia were champions of the non-aligned movement.
Try also had preliminary talks with Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Sen who called on him at his hotel.
12th March 2000:
The Golkar West Java Provincial Congress comes to an end with Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Tayo Tarmadi, a Tutut supporter, defeating incumbent Abdul Nurhaman to be elected Chairman of the West Java Golkar Provincial Branch. Much as Alip Pandoyo in Central Java, Abdul Nurhaman will remain as Chairman of the West Java DPRD. The provincial congress went ahead without any violence.
Watching this on a screen at the Golkar National Headquarters, Chairwoman of Golkar Tutut smiled broadly. Her face became serious when asked about the President’s comments saying that she should be the one to solve the issue at Central Java.
“I’m not the president, I’m not the government, it shouldn’t be me that has to solve these problems”, Tutut said dismissively.
Back at Phnom Penh, the President had a light schedule. He met with the Indonesian community in Phnom Penh, taking their questions about various policy issues. He also had a private lunch with Sihanouk.
The President’s day ended with an incognito visit by Leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin came to reassure the President that in the event of a Thai Rak Thai victory, there would not be any difference of policy towards Indonesia and that Thaksin would continue the policies of Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai.
13th March 2000:
Abdul Nurhaman made an appearance to submit his complaints about intimidation to Chairman of the Holding and Overseeing of Golkar Provincial Congresses Committee Sudharmono. Sudharmono said that he will process the complaint.
In a press conference at his hotel, Abdul Nurhaman produced photographs of himself and his supporters being harassed by another group of people carrying Tayo Tarmadi posters on the way inside the hall where the congress is held. He also produced a tape recording of a voice yelling “All of you bear in mind that your elections and re-elections to the DPR or DPRD in the next election will be in jeopardy if you re-elect Abdul Nurhaman. The Chairwoman’s approval is with Tayo Tarmadi.”
Tutut had a displeased expression on her face as she got out of Golkar National Headquarters to face the media pack.
“If anyone has any complaints about the way the provincial congresses are held that’s one thing, but it’s entirely another if they come into a congress deliberately looking for mistakes”, said Tutut “I think if you come into a congress with a camera and a tape recorder, you’re deliberately trying to look for flaws.”
At Phnom Penh, Try spent the day with his delegation in talks with Hun Sen and his delegation. No agreements were signed as in Myanmar and Laos but the visit was interesting in its own way.
Try, accompanied by Ginandjar Kartasasmita and Soerjadi, had a working lunch with Hun Sen and Cambodia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hor Namhong.
“You can’t say that China is drawing Cambodia into its orbit, Mr. President”, said Hun Sen “It’s trying to draw Myanmar, Laos…even Vietnam, as much as they have a bitter history with China, is being drawn into China’s orbit.”
“From what I gather from Chairman Than Shwe and President Khamtai, they seem to be rather ambivalent about being pulled into China’s orbit, Mr. Prime Minister”, said Try.
“That’s because people’s calculations change”, replied Hun Sen.
“Why, Mr. Prime Minister?” asked Ginandjar.
“Because Indonesia was the first to get out of the crisis”, said Hun Sen “And then in the last month alone you resurrected your economic cooperation with Malaysia and Singapore, then you openly backed the Philippines against Muslim insurgents, and now you sign agreements with Myanmar and Laos…oh people’s calculations change. If you had somehow struggled or in the off-chance you made a mess out of managing that financial crisis then perhaps China’s influence in Southeast Asia would be greater.”
14th March 2000:
The President called on Sihanouk and Hun Sen one final time before departing on the Presidential Airplane for Jakarta. During the flight, Try spent most of his time with Ginandjar Kartasasmita reviewing the visit. They were in good spirits but then the topic turned to most domestic issues as Ginandjar was packing his paperwork.
“How is Mr. Sudharmono doing?” asked Try of Ginandjar’s mentor and patron.
“He’s processing Abdul Nurhaman’s complaints of what happened at the Golkar West Java Provincial Congress”, said Ginandjar “Even as he admits that the Chairwoman of Golkar does seem to be not interested in looking at the complaint.”
Try chuckled to himself.
“Don’t be too harsh on him”, said Ginandjar “He feels a sense of loyalty to President Soeharto and wants to see the peace that you’ve made with the Chairwo …”
“The peace is over, Ginandjar”, cut Try “And I’m going to show everyone that when I get to Jakarta.”
The President touched down at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport at late afternoon. He was welcomed by the Vice President and members of the cabinet. All noted the "grim look" on his face...
---
Alip Pandoyo is invoking Article 31 of Law 5 of 1974 regarding the Fundamentals of Regional Government which states that the DPRD only goes into session if called into assembly by the Chairman of the DPRD. http://hukum.unsrat.ac.id/uu/uu_5_1974.htm
The Soeripto case OTL: https://www.liputan6.com/news/read/...arwTvQ.0&utm_referrer=https://www.google.com/
and wonder how many has resigned within the 1,5 year period... hmmm