The Fifth Season (30 page)

Overcome with shame, Lily sadly caught the train home to the East Javanese town of Situbondo where she was met by her mother, and taken back to her humble beginnings in awkward silence. There she would remain, the horrors of the attack revisiting as frequently as she dreamt, the chant of her Moslem assailants etched forever in her mind, so that she would never forget.

‘Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!'

* * * *

The two powerful men remained in conference for less than half an hour, after which they parted. The
Kopassus
commander returned to his headquarters while Praboyo headed for his father-in-law's home to attend his own crisis meeting, called by the President's eldest daughter.

Praboyo's gambit in having the Chinese come under attack was a dangerous game he knew, accepting that his strategy would inevitably stir strong feelings both domestically and amongst Indonesia's neighbors. His close friend and ally who commanded
Kopassus
had not hesitated when asked to cut the Special teams loose, their instructions to specifically target young Chinese women apparently successful. Once he held power Praboyo would demonstrate that he would hold no truck with anti-Chinese sentiment, reversing the current trends, encouraging them to return with their vast capital.

When he arrived at the tastefully decorated residence and was ushered inside, General Praboyo was surprised to discover that Vice President Hababli was to be present during the private family discussions. Praboyo decided that he would be his customary, forceful, but charming self.

An hour later, his chest swelling with pride, Lieutenant General Praboyo left the First Family's home in the company of his wife, convinced that he would be appointed as the Armed Forces Chief of Staff, his promotion a product of growing opposition towards President Suhapto from within the military.

The President had given his word; his son-in-law would be nominated as his successor before the end of the current Presidential term. Praboyo understood what went with the appointment. There would be considerable resistance to his usurping General Winarko's authority. He would have to be extremely careful and move quickly to quell all opposition by having those officers who were loyal, quickly and firmly ensconced in the more strategic commands.

Praboyo prepared himself mentally for what steps he would take once the President had made his announcement appointing his son-in-law to the country's most powerful military position. He would have his own man take over the
Kostrad
command, and issue orders to have
Kopassus
Special Forces guards placed in strategic positions.

He considered General Winarko and decided that he could be useful.

How to secure the man's loyalty would be the problem. Praboyo expected some resistance from the man. After all, he already held the position Praboyo coveted and was unlikely not to resent the President's change of heart. Winarko's proud Javanese heritage would make it impossible for him not to feel bitter. Praboyo understood that a compromise might not be avoidable; he would need to examine his options in greater depth before the announcement.

A smile suddenly replaced the growing frown on Praboyo's face, reminded that he still had the one wild card which would unseat Winarko should this be necessary. Abdul Muis had already broken new ground siding with the students. Praboyo thought the move to be politically oppor-tune, but was concerned that in light of recent developments he might be obliged to consider having Muis shunted off somewhere, before his influence grew to represent any real threat.

And then there were the Americans. General Praboyo would contact Colonel Carruthers and inform him of the President's announcement in advance. Praboyo smiled again, anticipating the American Defense Intelligence Agency Attaché's surprise when he learned that Praboyo, whose skills were developed under the watchful eyes of American instructors, would be elevated to the position of
ABRI's
Chief of Staff within twenty-four hours.

Still savoring these thoughts, General Praboyo, Butcher of East Timor and Indonesian Presidential aspirant, prepared himself for what he knew would be a most historic day.

* * * *

‘…and it is
therefore not only my opinion, but also that of the Perkarya functional group's senior leadership, that President Suhapto must step down immediately.'
The shock statement brought looks of total surprise as the House Speaker, one of President Suhapto's staunchest allies and closest friends since he took power, announced that he could no longer support the ailing President. Local reporters clamored for further detail, shouting to be heard as the Speaker waited for the noise to abate in order that he might continue.

‘Who will replace the Bapak?'
a reporter yelled, his question foremost on the mind of all present.

‘A new President must be appointed according to the Constitution,'
the politician replied.

‘Will it be the Vice President?'
another asked, glancing angrily as those who pushed from behind,
‘or will General Winarko assume control until there
are fresh elections?'

‘As I have just said,'
the Speaker answered sharply, annoyed with the question,
‘whatever takes place must be in accordance with the Constitution.'

‘Will you personally speak to the President?'
someone called out, the room suddenly flooded with lights as the government television station cameras commenced rolling. Journalists shielded their eyes with notepads, surprised that the cameras were present.

‘Yes, I am leaving for the Palace to discuss our decisions with Bapak Suhapto
now,'
he advised, rising as he fielded this question indicating that the press conference was over.

News of this incredible development was broadcast live across the nation, the ramifications of President Suhapto being asked to resign by his own political party signifying, to some, that the end was near. A thunderous cheer reverberated through the air as the students outside became aware of the announcement and they recommenced chanting, calling for the despised leader's head.

‘Gantung Suhapto! Hang Suhapto!'
their cry taken up by the many thousands who had joined the demonstrators in support of their cause. Soldiers remained cool to the student presence but permitted the occupation continue. Their response alerted the media to the obvious; that there were those amongst the military leadership opposed to their President who condoned the student activity. They had seen it all before as many of their number had participated in the demonstrations which had brought the former dictator to his knees. Then, as the cancer of corruption consumed the government from within, they had become disillusioned. When news broke regarding the House Speaker's announcement, smiles of satisfaction crossed the faces of many senior officers, while others remained stunned at the treachery.

Not fifteen minutes drive from where the students prematurely celebrated the President's downfall, General Praboyo lay with his mistress in her suburban retreat, oblivious to events unfolding during this interlude.

Her familiar smell excited his senses, taking his mind on a journey far from the complicated machinations which at that moment threatened to destroy Praboyo and his dream to become President. As his body moved rhythmically, his mind filled with carnal pleasure, the Menadonese girl's warmth engulfed him and Praboyo surrendered, surprising his lover with the intensity of his climax.

Their tryst at an end Praboyo drove back to his headquarters, his spirits high as he entered the Merdeka Square compound, where he was greeted by an anxious adjutant.

‘The Bapak has been calling for you repeatedly,'
he was informed. Alarmed, General Praboyo instructed the officer to call ahead, advising the President that he would be there immediately. He covered the short distance through Menteng within minutes and was startled as he approached the barricades blocking this well-guarded street. The familiar red-colored berets were gone. In their place he was astonished to see that elements of the First Infantry Brigade had assumed control. Their colonel approached Praboyo's vehicle.

‘Pak Praboyo?'
he asked, peering through the now opened driver's window.

‘What are your men doing here?'
Praboyo demanded.

‘General Winarko's instructions,'
the brigade commander answered, and Praboyo detected a hint of insolence in the man's voice. The colonel then ordered the barricade removed, and saluted as the general angrily slammed his foot down hard causing the officer to leap sideways. Furious with Winarko's bold move, he drove the short distance to the President's home and stormed inside. There he discovered ashen-faced members of the First Family gathered outside their father's main guest room, waiting nervously as discussions continued inside. He ignored them all, including his wife, Tuti, and marched forward intent on confronting those who were with the President. He flung the doors open angrily, and was startled by the familiar sound of weapons being cocked. Waves of anger engulfed Praboyo as he stood, speechless, staring at the two automatic weapons pointed directly at his chest. He looked at the President sitting across from a group of men he knew to be Parliamentary factional leaders. Behind these stood his rival, General Winarko.

‘Bapak?'
he asked, confused by the scene before him. The President looked up at his son-in-law, his face tired but expressionless.

‘Leave us,'
was all he said, then turned to face the man whom he had once considered amongst his closest friends. Stunned, General Praboyo turned slowly, his movements uncharacteristically stiff as he returned to the family room.

He went to his wife's side and gripped her arm, squeezing it tightly.

‘What's happening?'
he demanded harshly. Tuti winced, pulling away from her husband.

‘They are trying to force the Bapak to resign,'
she spat, her voice filled with venom.
‘Where have you been? We have been trying to contact you for hours!'

‘Who's behind this?'
he snapped, turning to examine their faces.
‘Is it
Winarko?'

‘Why don't you wait, ‘Boyo,'
the eldest daughter, Nuri, suggested.
‘My
father has asked that we remain calm, and wait until he has finished with those
inside.'

‘Wait?'
he retorted,
‘wait for what?'

‘Our father will want to talk to all of us. He said we should wait and he
will explain what is happening. Please show a little patience for once, ‘Boyo!'

Nuri answered testily, then turned as the two large teak doors leading to where her father was in conference swung open. They remained silent as those inside took their leave of the President, and departed in uncustomary haste.

General Winarko was last to leave. As he passed through the family room, he stopped, and smiled at Nuri before bidding her goodnight, deliberately ignoring Praboyo's presence. Then, he too slipped out into the night, leaving the Suhaptos to spend their last night together, as the country's First Family.

Presidential Palace - 21st May 1998

Mary Jo

Mary Jo waved her Press pass as she hurried into the crowded hall, already jammed to capacity with cameras and media representatives from all parts of the globe. Anne followed, having wheeled the motorbike, their now preferred mode of transport, into the designated parking area.

'Is it true?' she overheard one of the foreigners ask, 'will he really do it?'

'That's the rumor.'

'I wouldn't bet this month's cheque on it,' this, from the Asia Week journalist who had been stuck in the city for days. The mass exodus continued, fueled by food shortages as supermarket shelves remained bare. 'He has offered to step down before,' he added, 'at least twice that I can remember.' Mary Jo pushed closer to the front maneuvering around the congested scene as cameras blocked her advance.

Suddenly, there was a hush as President Suhapto appeared, accompanied by Vice President Hababli, senior ABRI officers, and others. Mary Jo did not bother with her recorder. She knew that Annie would be somewhere amongst the throng and would tape the announcement, and translate this later. Cameras flashed as the aging President moved towards the microphones, his stiff movements and puffed face mirroring his fatigue. He coughed, then extracted some notes from inside his modest, gray safari-jacket and commenced to read.

'To the people of Indonesia,' Suhapto said, his voice carrying an edge of sadness as millions around the world listened, an interpreter providing an instantaneous English translation softly in the background.

'You are all aware of the difficulties which have beset our nation. During these recent times I have carefully followed developments which have led to civil

unrest and understand the people's aspirations in seeking reform. Based on my conclusion that these initiatives must be addressed in an orderly, peaceful and constitutional manner, and in the interests of maintaining national unity and cohesion within the Republic, I formed a council to implement the desired changes to the Cabinet, and commence the reform processes that you have sought.

'As your President I have endeavored to resolve the crisis through the advisory reform council but, faced with the growing burden of resolving our many problems, some members of this body have resigned, rendering it impossible for me to continue.' He coughed, then paused, regaining his breath. 'Considering this development I am of the opinion that it would be difficult for me to implement in a good manner, my duties in governing the State.'

'People of Indonesia. After careful deliberation and consultation with members of Parliament, I have decided to declare that I have ceased to be the President of the Republic of Indonesia as of the moment I have completed this statement. In line with Article Eight of the Constitution, I hand over the office of President to Dr. L.B. Hababli, the Vice President, to conclude the remainder of the Presidential term which will come to an end in the year two thousand and three.