179: Beyond Doubt
30th May 2002:
President Try Sutrisno was today at Yogyakarta to act as a witness at the wedding of Princess Pembayun, the eldest daughter of Governor of Yogyakarta Sultan Hamengkubuwono X and State Minister of Poverty Reduction GKR Hemas. The ceremony was elaborate and it was while the President and First Lady Tuti Setiawati were having their pictures taken with the bride and groom that the President took the opportunity of standing next to Hamengkubuwono to chat with him.
Though the President praised Hamengkubuwono for leading the PKPI to a likely victory in Yogyakarta, Hamengkubuwono was more sober. He told the President that even if the PKPI won in Yogyakarta, it will be a close-run thing.
“One thing this election will reveal is how hell-bent the Chairwoman of the PKPB is to stand where you are standing, Mr. President”, said Hamengkubuwono as the President and the First Lady got off the stage.
31st May 2002:
The President posed for pictures with members of the Indonesian National Badminton Team who recently participated in the 2002 Thomas and Uber Cup. The male badminton team won Thomas Cup while the female badminton team came third in the Uber Cup. State Minister of Youth and Sports Hajriyanto Thohari, speaking to the press, said that the President told him that Indonesia should attempt to become stronger in other sports and spoke of the possibility of participating at the next Football World Cup. It was too late to qualify for the 2002 World Cup because it was due to begin that very night.
Chairman of the PKPB National Campaign Prabowo Subianto’s interview on RCTI made the headlines today. Prabowo acknowledged the government for making maximum use of its incumbency most notably by inaugurating projects during the election campaign to show that it was doing something and by entering into a formal coalition with the PPP. At the same time, he knew that the government was going to overstretch.
“There was no need for a reshuffle so close to the election because most of the ministers appointed in the reshuffle have not done much by election time because they’re still learning on the job” Prabowo “One of the results of the reshuffle even backfired; the removal of Jusuf Kalla allowed us to have a strong performance in South Sulawesi.”
When asked about the interview, Chairman of the PPP National Campaign Hamzah Haz said that the PKPB had admittedly ran a strong campaign. Hamzah however, was more concerned about the President’s comments from the previous week saying that the PKPI could rely on the PPP’s support for political stability. Hamzah said that the PKPI had a weaker performance in the election and the PPP had a stronger than expected performance so it should not take the PPP’s support for granted.
1st June 2002:
Chairman of the PPP Matori Abdul Djalil in a press conference said that Hamzah Haz’s statement does not represent the PPP as an institution. He said that whatever next step for the PPP going forward will be decided at the National Work Meeting which will be held once the votes are counted.
Accompanied by her supporters, Chairwoman of the PNI Megawati Soekarnoputri led a solemn ceremony in front of the BP-7 Building. In her speech, Megawati promised to designate 1st June Pancasila Day and to reform the BP-7 so that it will disseminate Pancasila as formulated by Soekarno not by the New Order. When reminded by reporters present that she would need to be the president to realize these things and that at present the PNI was coming last in the vote counting, Megawati smiled in response.
“There is always a way if you are acting on behalf of the people”, she said cryptically.
2nd June 2002:
With Minister of Legal Affairs Marzuki Darusman coming in to work on a Sunday to join him, the President signed a Presidential Decree which gives a visa waiver to all 30,439 men, women, and children who has arrived from Myanmar. Marzuki said that from his end, he will issue them all with Limited Stay Permits.
“I guess all that remains to be done is to announce that they’re here”, said the President as he closed his pen “I keep on thinking that Khin Nyunt will start denouncing unnamed nations for hiding Shwe Mann and then I’d be forced to open my cards.”
“I don’t think it will be like that, Mr. President”, said Marzuki “He’s going to want to come across as the aggrieved party; he’ll wait until whenever you decide to announce it to make it seem like you caught him off-guard. And if the press enquiries that my department are getting and trying miserably to ignore are any indication, it will be soon.”
3rd June 2002:
The first engagement of the working week for the President was a breakfast meeting with Vice President JB Sumarlin. They spoke about the general economic conditions and agreed that whatever steps the government can take must wait the official announcement of the election results. For the moment, when it came to economics, Sumarlin wanted to talk about something else.
“Commodities boom?” asked the President.
“Yes, Mr. President”, replied Sumarlin “When you’ve got large growing economies like China, India, Russia, Brazil and of course, us, running and shopping around for raw materials, the combined demand has the capability to push the prices of commodities up.”
“Is this a good thing or a bad thing for Indonesia, Mr. Vice President?” asked the President.
“It’s not good or bad, it just needs to be managed”, replied Sumarlin “For example, say the there’s a lot of demand for coal and coal prices go up…”
“We have a lot of coal, we can export it when the prices are good, we get a lot of revenue, more money for infrastructure, schools, hospitals”, finished the President “Don’t want to miss out on great prices on the world market, Mr. Vice President.”
“But on the other hand, your leadership in the last few years has seen the completion of a lot of electricity generators many of which require coal as a fuel, Mr. President”, explained Sumarlin “We don’t want to be exporting our commodities only to turn around and find out we can’t meet our domestic demand.”
“This complicates matters…” muttered the President.
The two sat silently across the table from one another.
“We are just at the beginning of this boom, it will be some time before hit the peak”, said Sumarlin “And I would sleep easier if such problems and issues are managed by you instead of one of the Presidential daughters.”
The President chuckled.
“Thank you for the endorsement, Mr. Vice President”, said the President “Actually, that is what I want to discuss with you as well.”
Sumarlin positioned himself to listen.
“The election is over and the results are only a matter of time, so I think I can say this unequivocally without having to resort to signals, gestures, body languages, nuances, or things that people with too much times in their hands will read into”, said the President “At the 2003 MPR General Session, it’s my intention to put my name forward and nominate for another term as president.”
Sumarlin smiled and shook hands with the President at the news.
“That’s great news, Mr. President”, said Sumarlin “Great news for the nation.”
The President smiled at that though his face quickly became serious.
“Like you though, I too want to sleep easier at night”, added the President “Which is why I want to ask you, Mr. Vice President, to put your name forward for another term when the time comes.”
Sumarlin looked surprised.
“Take as much time as you want, Mr. Vice President, we still have 9 months”, said the President “You’re the economist, you probably see the potential for the nation if this commodities boom is managed properly more clearly than I do. I’d hate to miss out on maximizing the benefits of this boom for the nation if I were you.”
4th June 2002:
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita held a press conference after meeting with the President at the Presidential Palace. Ginandjar said that Indonesia continues to monitor the situation between India and Pakistan after the Kaluchak Massacre and is concerned that nuclear weapons are even part of the conversation. Ginandjar said that Indonesia urges the United States, Russia, and China to pressure India and Pakistan to back down but that in order for that to happen, Chief Executive of Pakistan Aziz Khan needs to resolutely condemn and take action against Lashkar-E-Toiba.
Closer to home, Ginandjar was asked about the upcoming election in Papua New Guinea. Ginandjar dismisses any notion that there is a political party with “Pro-Indonesian orientation” participating in the elections and says that Indonesia does not have any stake in the election other than a desire for continued good relations between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea that has been built over the last few years.
“What about the election results in our country?” asked a reporter “Do you have any stakes in that?”
“This will be a boring answer to you but I’m too busy to follow domestic politics as minister of foreign affairs”, lied Ginandjar.
5th June 2002:
The President, accompanied by Commander of ABRI Wiranto, today met with Minister of Defense and Security Wismoyo Arismunandar who had just returned from the United States and asked how was his trip. Wismoyo said that he had signed a contract to purchase 4 Kidd-Class Destroyers, payment to be made in installments starting from next fiscal year. The ships were originally going to go to Taiwan until it got a government that was pro-mainland and did not want to cause “undue provocation”.
“What about the big ticket item?” asked the President.
“The Administration’s reluctant to agree straightaway on letting us have the 28 F-16s, Mr. President”, said Wismoyo “Some whispers within the Administration about whether or not the United States are making Indonesia too strong…the State Department and the Pentagon approves, not so the Treasury Department and the Vice President’s office.”
The President grunted.
“If it’s any consolation, I got to meet with President McCain”, continued Wismoyo “It seems Prime Minister Aso has done his share of lobbying. President McCain’s said that he’s willing to hear you out about the aircrafts when you’re there in Washington in October.”
The President nodded his head as he comprehended what Wismoyo is saying, he looked over at Wiranto.
“Don’t worry, I’ll make my case before October”, said the President before turning to Wiranto “The Chief of Police, how is his preparation against the Extreme Right going?”
“Chief of Police Ansyaad Mbai’s preparation is on track, Mr. President”, replied Wiranto.
“This is good but I will to have to ask for more from”, replied the President “Make sure what he is planning is more extensive and more forceful.”
6th June 2002:
A seemingly routine doorstop press conference turned awkward for Minister of Transmigration Indra Bambang Utoyo when he struggled to answer questions from press about the existence of illegal immigrants in transmigration settlements. Indra became defensive and abruptly left the group of reporters.
At night, the President, together with State Secretary Edi Sudrajat met Chairman of the PKPI Basofi Sudirman and Chairman of the PKPI National Campaign Hendropriyono. The latter two had grave expressions on their faces. Basofi handed the President a piece of paper and the President immediately handed it to Edi before standing up from his seat and looking thoughtfully out of the window.
“Mr. President, we want to report that the vote count is beyond doubt now”, said Basofi “We can no longer catch up to the PKPB.”
7th June 2002:
At a morning press conference, Basofi announced the PKPI’s resolve to nominate Gen. (Ret.) Try Sutrisno as president at the 2003 MPR General Session and secure his re-election. Such statements of resolve, however, failed to stop the Rupiah’s value from plummeting from $1= Rp. 4,094 to $1= Rp. 4,110 to the news that the election result is beyond doubt. PKPB supporters are seen gathering at the PKPB National Headquarters to sing songs and celebrate.
That night as she hosted a World Cup watch-party at Cendana Street, Chairwoman of the PKPB Tutut Soeharto said that while she welcomes the news about the election results being beyond doubt, she does not want to claim anything until the vote count becomes official or the PKPI concedes, whichever comes first. She also spoke out against complacency among her followers.
“While we have gained the most seats in the DPR, we are not yet beyond their reach”, said Tutut “They can still chase us. They can still catch us. They will stop at nothing for we are all that stands between them and the world. Until we have gained victory at the MPR General Session, we can never claim to be victorious.”
At the Presidential Palace, the President met with Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas. Harsudiono said that Chairman of the KPU HBL Mantiri is seeking permission to announce the election results tomorrow, or one day ahead of schedule, because the vote count will be completed tonight.
“He may announce it whenever he’s ready”, said the President in a tone that he tried to keep as flat as possible.
“I will let him know, Mr. President”, said Harsudiono.
As Harsudiono got up to leave, he turned one more time to look at the President.
“Mr. President…Try…”, began Harsudiono “This is not insurmountable.”
The President looked, almost glared, at Harsudiono.
“If you believe that to be the case, then get me re-elected”, Try said.
---
Yeah, going to get busier again in the next few weeks so I’d like to leave you a cliffy update before a not so lengthy absence. I was supposed to send this before I got started on the countries around the world but somehow I never clicked send so I’ve still got this in hanging around in my documents. Consider it a special treat for you all.
Hamengkubuwono X's eldest daughter gets married three days later than in OTL, going to put that down to butterflies.
The commodities’ boom is the same as in OTL. The difference is that Indonesia will be among the emerging markets looking around for raw materials. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000s_commodities_boom
Credit to @Dude... for suggesting the Kidd-Class. Going to be a thing ITTL with Indonesia and that it will be looking for weapons where deals have broken down or are not delivered or for which there are a lot of surplus.
The 28 F-16s here were those paid for and originally headed for Pakistan https://foreignpolicy.com/2011/02/03/the-u-s-pakistan-f-16-fiasco/
Just wanted Try to have a little moment with the Harsudiono Hartas who in OTL, got the ball rolling on his VP nomination in 1993.
President Try Sutrisno was today at Yogyakarta to act as a witness at the wedding of Princess Pembayun, the eldest daughter of Governor of Yogyakarta Sultan Hamengkubuwono X and State Minister of Poverty Reduction GKR Hemas. The ceremony was elaborate and it was while the President and First Lady Tuti Setiawati were having their pictures taken with the bride and groom that the President took the opportunity of standing next to Hamengkubuwono to chat with him.
Though the President praised Hamengkubuwono for leading the PKPI to a likely victory in Yogyakarta, Hamengkubuwono was more sober. He told the President that even if the PKPI won in Yogyakarta, it will be a close-run thing.
“One thing this election will reveal is how hell-bent the Chairwoman of the PKPB is to stand where you are standing, Mr. President”, said Hamengkubuwono as the President and the First Lady got off the stage.
31st May 2002:
The President posed for pictures with members of the Indonesian National Badminton Team who recently participated in the 2002 Thomas and Uber Cup. The male badminton team won Thomas Cup while the female badminton team came third in the Uber Cup. State Minister of Youth and Sports Hajriyanto Thohari, speaking to the press, said that the President told him that Indonesia should attempt to become stronger in other sports and spoke of the possibility of participating at the next Football World Cup. It was too late to qualify for the 2002 World Cup because it was due to begin that very night.
Chairman of the PKPB National Campaign Prabowo Subianto’s interview on RCTI made the headlines today. Prabowo acknowledged the government for making maximum use of its incumbency most notably by inaugurating projects during the election campaign to show that it was doing something and by entering into a formal coalition with the PPP. At the same time, he knew that the government was going to overstretch.
“There was no need for a reshuffle so close to the election because most of the ministers appointed in the reshuffle have not done much by election time because they’re still learning on the job” Prabowo “One of the results of the reshuffle even backfired; the removal of Jusuf Kalla allowed us to have a strong performance in South Sulawesi.”
When asked about the interview, Chairman of the PPP National Campaign Hamzah Haz said that the PKPB had admittedly ran a strong campaign. Hamzah however, was more concerned about the President’s comments from the previous week saying that the PKPI could rely on the PPP’s support for political stability. Hamzah said that the PKPI had a weaker performance in the election and the PPP had a stronger than expected performance so it should not take the PPP’s support for granted.
1st June 2002:
Chairman of the PPP Matori Abdul Djalil in a press conference said that Hamzah Haz’s statement does not represent the PPP as an institution. He said that whatever next step for the PPP going forward will be decided at the National Work Meeting which will be held once the votes are counted.
Accompanied by her supporters, Chairwoman of the PNI Megawati Soekarnoputri led a solemn ceremony in front of the BP-7 Building. In her speech, Megawati promised to designate 1st June Pancasila Day and to reform the BP-7 so that it will disseminate Pancasila as formulated by Soekarno not by the New Order. When reminded by reporters present that she would need to be the president to realize these things and that at present the PNI was coming last in the vote counting, Megawati smiled in response.
“There is always a way if you are acting on behalf of the people”, she said cryptically.
2nd June 2002:
With Minister of Legal Affairs Marzuki Darusman coming in to work on a Sunday to join him, the President signed a Presidential Decree which gives a visa waiver to all 30,439 men, women, and children who has arrived from Myanmar. Marzuki said that from his end, he will issue them all with Limited Stay Permits.
“I guess all that remains to be done is to announce that they’re here”, said the President as he closed his pen “I keep on thinking that Khin Nyunt will start denouncing unnamed nations for hiding Shwe Mann and then I’d be forced to open my cards.”
“I don’t think it will be like that, Mr. President”, said Marzuki “He’s going to want to come across as the aggrieved party; he’ll wait until whenever you decide to announce it to make it seem like you caught him off-guard. And if the press enquiries that my department are getting and trying miserably to ignore are any indication, it will be soon.”
3rd June 2002:
The first engagement of the working week for the President was a breakfast meeting with Vice President JB Sumarlin. They spoke about the general economic conditions and agreed that whatever steps the government can take must wait the official announcement of the election results. For the moment, when it came to economics, Sumarlin wanted to talk about something else.
“Commodities boom?” asked the President.
“Yes, Mr. President”, replied Sumarlin “When you’ve got large growing economies like China, India, Russia, Brazil and of course, us, running and shopping around for raw materials, the combined demand has the capability to push the prices of commodities up.”
“Is this a good thing or a bad thing for Indonesia, Mr. Vice President?” asked the President.
“It’s not good or bad, it just needs to be managed”, replied Sumarlin “For example, say the there’s a lot of demand for coal and coal prices go up…”
“We have a lot of coal, we can export it when the prices are good, we get a lot of revenue, more money for infrastructure, schools, hospitals”, finished the President “Don’t want to miss out on great prices on the world market, Mr. Vice President.”
“But on the other hand, your leadership in the last few years has seen the completion of a lot of electricity generators many of which require coal as a fuel, Mr. President”, explained Sumarlin “We don’t want to be exporting our commodities only to turn around and find out we can’t meet our domestic demand.”
“This complicates matters…” muttered the President.
The two sat silently across the table from one another.
“We are just at the beginning of this boom, it will be some time before hit the peak”, said Sumarlin “And I would sleep easier if such problems and issues are managed by you instead of one of the Presidential daughters.”
The President chuckled.
“Thank you for the endorsement, Mr. Vice President”, said the President “Actually, that is what I want to discuss with you as well.”
Sumarlin positioned himself to listen.
“The election is over and the results are only a matter of time, so I think I can say this unequivocally without having to resort to signals, gestures, body languages, nuances, or things that people with too much times in their hands will read into”, said the President “At the 2003 MPR General Session, it’s my intention to put my name forward and nominate for another term as president.”
Sumarlin smiled and shook hands with the President at the news.
“That’s great news, Mr. President”, said Sumarlin “Great news for the nation.”
The President smiled at that though his face quickly became serious.
“Like you though, I too want to sleep easier at night”, added the President “Which is why I want to ask you, Mr. Vice President, to put your name forward for another term when the time comes.”
Sumarlin looked surprised.
“Take as much time as you want, Mr. Vice President, we still have 9 months”, said the President “You’re the economist, you probably see the potential for the nation if this commodities boom is managed properly more clearly than I do. I’d hate to miss out on maximizing the benefits of this boom for the nation if I were you.”
4th June 2002:
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita held a press conference after meeting with the President at the Presidential Palace. Ginandjar said that Indonesia continues to monitor the situation between India and Pakistan after the Kaluchak Massacre and is concerned that nuclear weapons are even part of the conversation. Ginandjar said that Indonesia urges the United States, Russia, and China to pressure India and Pakistan to back down but that in order for that to happen, Chief Executive of Pakistan Aziz Khan needs to resolutely condemn and take action against Lashkar-E-Toiba.
Closer to home, Ginandjar was asked about the upcoming election in Papua New Guinea. Ginandjar dismisses any notion that there is a political party with “Pro-Indonesian orientation” participating in the elections and says that Indonesia does not have any stake in the election other than a desire for continued good relations between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea that has been built over the last few years.
“What about the election results in our country?” asked a reporter “Do you have any stakes in that?”
“This will be a boring answer to you but I’m too busy to follow domestic politics as minister of foreign affairs”, lied Ginandjar.
5th June 2002:
The President, accompanied by Commander of ABRI Wiranto, today met with Minister of Defense and Security Wismoyo Arismunandar who had just returned from the United States and asked how was his trip. Wismoyo said that he had signed a contract to purchase 4 Kidd-Class Destroyers, payment to be made in installments starting from next fiscal year. The ships were originally going to go to Taiwan until it got a government that was pro-mainland and did not want to cause “undue provocation”.
“What about the big ticket item?” asked the President.
“The Administration’s reluctant to agree straightaway on letting us have the 28 F-16s, Mr. President”, said Wismoyo “Some whispers within the Administration about whether or not the United States are making Indonesia too strong…the State Department and the Pentagon approves, not so the Treasury Department and the Vice President’s office.”
The President grunted.
“If it’s any consolation, I got to meet with President McCain”, continued Wismoyo “It seems Prime Minister Aso has done his share of lobbying. President McCain’s said that he’s willing to hear you out about the aircrafts when you’re there in Washington in October.”
The President nodded his head as he comprehended what Wismoyo is saying, he looked over at Wiranto.
“Don’t worry, I’ll make my case before October”, said the President before turning to Wiranto “The Chief of Police, how is his preparation against the Extreme Right going?”
“Chief of Police Ansyaad Mbai’s preparation is on track, Mr. President”, replied Wiranto.
“This is good but I will to have to ask for more from”, replied the President “Make sure what he is planning is more extensive and more forceful.”
6th June 2002:
A seemingly routine doorstop press conference turned awkward for Minister of Transmigration Indra Bambang Utoyo when he struggled to answer questions from press about the existence of illegal immigrants in transmigration settlements. Indra became defensive and abruptly left the group of reporters.
At night, the President, together with State Secretary Edi Sudrajat met Chairman of the PKPI Basofi Sudirman and Chairman of the PKPI National Campaign Hendropriyono. The latter two had grave expressions on their faces. Basofi handed the President a piece of paper and the President immediately handed it to Edi before standing up from his seat and looking thoughtfully out of the window.
“Mr. President, we want to report that the vote count is beyond doubt now”, said Basofi “We can no longer catch up to the PKPB.”
7th June 2002:
At a morning press conference, Basofi announced the PKPI’s resolve to nominate Gen. (Ret.) Try Sutrisno as president at the 2003 MPR General Session and secure his re-election. Such statements of resolve, however, failed to stop the Rupiah’s value from plummeting from $1= Rp. 4,094 to $1= Rp. 4,110 to the news that the election result is beyond doubt. PKPB supporters are seen gathering at the PKPB National Headquarters to sing songs and celebrate.
That night as she hosted a World Cup watch-party at Cendana Street, Chairwoman of the PKPB Tutut Soeharto said that while she welcomes the news about the election results being beyond doubt, she does not want to claim anything until the vote count becomes official or the PKPI concedes, whichever comes first. She also spoke out against complacency among her followers.
“While we have gained the most seats in the DPR, we are not yet beyond their reach”, said Tutut “They can still chase us. They can still catch us. They will stop at nothing for we are all that stands between them and the world. Until we have gained victory at the MPR General Session, we can never claim to be victorious.”
At the Presidential Palace, the President met with Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas. Harsudiono said that Chairman of the KPU HBL Mantiri is seeking permission to announce the election results tomorrow, or one day ahead of schedule, because the vote count will be completed tonight.
“He may announce it whenever he’s ready”, said the President in a tone that he tried to keep as flat as possible.
“I will let him know, Mr. President”, said Harsudiono.
As Harsudiono got up to leave, he turned one more time to look at the President.
“Mr. President…Try…”, began Harsudiono “This is not insurmountable.”
The President looked, almost glared, at Harsudiono.
“If you believe that to be the case, then get me re-elected”, Try said.
---
Yeah, going to get busier again in the next few weeks so I’d like to leave you a cliffy update before a not so lengthy absence. I was supposed to send this before I got started on the countries around the world but somehow I never clicked send so I’ve still got this in hanging around in my documents. Consider it a special treat for you all.
Hamengkubuwono X's eldest daughter gets married three days later than in OTL, going to put that down to butterflies.
The commodities’ boom is the same as in OTL. The difference is that Indonesia will be among the emerging markets looking around for raw materials. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000s_commodities_boom
Credit to @Dude... for suggesting the Kidd-Class. Going to be a thing ITTL with Indonesia and that it will be looking for weapons where deals have broken down or are not delivered or for which there are a lot of surplus.
The 28 F-16s here were those paid for and originally headed for Pakistan https://foreignpolicy.com/2011/02/03/the-u-s-pakistan-f-16-fiasco/
Just wanted Try to have a little moment with the Harsudiono Hartas who in OTL, got the ball rolling on his VP nomination in 1993.
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