(29 Sep 1999) Indonesian/Nat
Senior politicians have urged Indonesian President B-J Habibie to stop his bid for re-election, in November's presidential election.
During a meeting of political leaders in Jakarta, the leader of the National Mandate Party, Amien Rais, appealed to Habibie to reconsider his decision to stand, saying his successful re-election could spell disaster for the future of the country.
While the politicians met, hundreds of students gathered in central Jakarta to press for government reform and protest at the killing of other students by police.
Several hundred students gathered in central Jakarta on Wednesday to voice their displeasure at the lack of progress in implementing long-promised reforms.
During the peaceful demonstration, the students were treated to a visit by two of Indonesia's top politicians - the leaders of the National Mandate Party, Amien Rais, and the Muslim leader, Abdurrahman Wahid, popularly known as Gus Dur.
Both politicians pledged their support for the students' cause saying that the key to Indonesia's future lay with its educated young.
SOUNDBITE: (Indonesian)
"I believe the key to reform is held by the students, but not those with political goals."
SUPER CAPTION: Amien Rais, leader of the PAN Party
Gus Dur heads the Nadlathul Ulama, Indonesia's largest Muslim organisation and has been a longtime political ally of Megawati Sukarnoputri whose party won the general election in June.
He warned against using violence to try to topple the government.
SOUNDBITE: (Indonesian)
"I adhere to Gandhi, who is Hindu. This is peculiar because it was he who fought oppression. Islam itself has many lessons concerning anti-oppression but that doesn't mean we're not determined (with our goals) ! Because of that, I told those who want to use oppression to snatch parliamentary power to stop, or else watch out."
SUPER CAPTION: Gus Dur, Leader of P-K-B party
Earlier in the day, Amien Rais attended a meeting with President Habibie and other senior Golkar Party officials.
The meeting centred on Habibie's chances of re-election by the party as its presidential candidate.
A reformist faction in the party is pushing for Habibie reconsider his position and for a new candidate to be proposed.
But the party faithful are continuing to garner support from other politicians in their bid to re-elect Habibie as their leader.
SOUNDBITE: (Indonesian)
"Now I'm making approaches to other parties to support Habibie because Golkar only came second place in the general election."
SUPER CAPTION: Akbar Tanjung, Golkar Party Chairman
After the meeting, Amien Rais was unequivocal about his stance.
He believes Habibie's candidacy could imperil the nation's safety following a barrage of domestic criticism for his handling of recent crises, particularly East Timor.
SOUNDBITE: (Indonesian)
"We gave our direct input about the candidacy of Habibie to be nominated as president. It needs to be reconsidered, but it's also up to Habibie and the Golkar Party to judge that."
SUPER CAPTION: Amien Rais, Leader of the PAN Party
Indonesia's Armed Forces Chief, General Wiranto, also offered his opinion on the political situation in the country.
He said a the future of the country lay in the hands of a special assembly of legislators and government appointees who will select the new president in November.
SOUNDBITE: (Indonesian)
SUPER CAPTION: General Wiranto, Head of Indonesian Armed Forces
Habibie was elevated to the presidency last year when President Suharto was ousted by student-led protests after 32 years of authoritarian rule.
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