THE NATION: Suharto golfing buddy,

[suriya@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Suharto golfing buddy, daughter appointed to Indonesian
cabinet

posted at 11:07 hrs (Bangkok time) 

JAKARTA, March 14 -- Embattled Indonesian President Suharto Saturday appointed a new
cabinet, giving one of his daughters and a golfing partner control of two ministries. 

Timber tycoon Muhammad ''Bob'' Hasan, a long-time associate of Suharto's and who is in business
with some of the president's family members, was appointed trade and industry minister. 

Hasan, one of the country's wealthiest men and who leads several foundations linked to Suharto,
has headed a plywood cartel which is one of the main targets of an IMF program to dismantle
restrictive trade practices in Indonesia. 

The International Monetary Fund has put a second three billion dollar disbursment to Indonesia,
part of a 40 billion dollar rescue package, on hold because of failure to fully implement the reforms. 

Hasan's Apkindo association claims it no longer operates as a cartel, but critics say it has simply
imposed new requirements on members to retain control of the massive industry. 

Suharto's eldest daughter Siti ''Tutut'' Hardiyanti Rukmana was appointed social affairs minister,
which covers such matters as welfare. 

Tutut, who like many members of the Suharto family has substantial business interests, is the first of
Suharto's six children to take a cabinet post. She is also a vice-chairman of Suharto's ruling Golkar
party. 

New Vice President Bacharuddin Habibie, who flanked Suharto as he read out the list of ministers
before the palace press corps and selected officials, was also given a wide-ranging ''global arena''
brief to represent the country at the United Nations, ASEAN and other international organisations. 

Habibie is widely expected to replace the 76-year-old Suharto at summit meetings. 

Suharto said his new deputy, aged 61, would also ''harmonise development of industry'' and
''oversee the cohesion and unity of the nation, based on (religious) faith and practice.'' 

Ali Alatas was re-appointed foreign affairs minister. 

The widely-respected Alatas had been rumoured to be seeking to retire after two terms in the post. 

Taxation chief Fuad Bawazier, a close friend of Suharto's children and who has failed to support the
IMF reforms, was appointed finance minister. 

He replaces Mar'ie Muhammad, who does not feature in the new cabinet. 

Former armed forces chief retired general Feisal Tanjung was appointed to the powerful post of
co-ordinating minister for political and security affairs. 

Tanjung last month stepped down from the commander in chief's position because of his age. 

He was replaced by General Wiranto (Eds: one name), who Saturday was also appointed defence
minister. 

Suharto and Habibie were sworn into office Wednesday. Suharto has held power since 1966 but
faces unprecedented calls to step down as the country is gripped by a devastating economic crisis.
(AFP)