Indonesia ATL: The Presidency of Try Sutrisno (1997-)

[Derff]

Still waiting for the N-2130 and (maybe) some Indonesian SLV..

Infrastructure development is always appreciated. Maybe the government would add more policies such as using only locally sourced materials like the recent one from the ministry of PUPR? And what is the state of Indonesian Railway? Would the government tries to build new ones like at Borneo or Celebes island? Or maybe they'd prefer to expand and connecting existing railways at Java and Sumatra?

Indonesian agriculture is unfortunately very under-developed, therefore despite having more lands it's not as productive as in other countries. Not to mention that in Indonesians' mindset, any form of mechanization is always viewed as "killing the jobs".

As the last and IMO the most concerning one, is the consistency of the government to enact such policies. IOTL it doesn't really that hard for the goverment officials to change the policies despite massive outcries from the population (i.e lobster seeds scandal), all it needs was a stroke of a pen. How would ITTL government prevent such thing from happen?
EDIT: misspelled

 

[GSD310]

Still waiting for the N-2130 and (maybe) some Indonesian SLV..

Infrastructure development is always appreciated. Maybe the government would add more policies such as using only locally sourced materials like the recent one from the ministry of PUPR? And what is the state of Indonesian Railway? Would the government tries to build new ones like at Borneo or Celebes island? Or maybe they'd prefer to expand and connecting existing railways at Java and Sumatra?

Indonesian agriculture is unfortunately very under-developed, therefore despite having more lands it's not as productive as in other countries. Not to mention that in Indonesians' mindset, any form of mechanization is always viewed as "killing the jobs".

As the last and IMO the most concerning one, is the consistency of the government to enact such policies. IOTL it doesn't really that hard for the goverment officials to change the policies despite massive outcries from the population (i.e lobster seeds scandal), all it needs was a stroke of a pen. How would ITTL government prevent such thing from happen?
EDIT: misspelled

N-2130's chances ITTL is not that good for political reasons. ITTL, Try's reason for going ahead with the third N-250 is more because it's already in process and he wants to keep Habibie onside. National pride and because it seems like the right thing are just bonuses. Try's ITTL Vice President, JB Sumarlin is also a member of the Berkeley Mafia which tends to be hostile to Habibie's project. Note as well that even as Habibie's projects has continued a) The BPIS has been dissolved and b) The most visibly successful of the "strategic industries" ITTL is Pindad no doubt because of the President's Army bias.

Railway is lower on the priority list than toll roads and airports at the moment.

Only a matter of time before mechanization and related debates/concerns about that emerge but at the moment not yet.

At the moment ITTL, what’s keeping the Government (read: Try) in check and continuing their current policies is that the only thing it’s got going for them is their performance. There’s Tutut coming at them with the financial resources at her disposal, there’s Mega coming at them with her political masses, what does Try have? He’s the incumbent, he has to perform.

 

[GSD310]

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At Cendana Street, there was a big frown on Chairwoman of PKPB Tutut Soeharto’s at the standing ovation greeting President Try Sutrisno’s announcements on rice policy and the establishment of sago as staple food in Maluku, Irian Jaya, and East Nusa Tenggara.

“He’s butchering Dad’s policies”, she said.

“He’s playing it smart, Mbakyu”, said Tutut’s brother Bambang Trihatmodjo.

“You’re defending him?” asked Tutut in disbelief.

“Mas Bambang has a point”, said Tutut’s brother-in-law and Chairman of the PKPB National Campaign Prabowo Subianto “People who think that the last 3 decades had been a success for Indonesia but who think that some changes need to be made around the edges are the people for whom the President holds strong appeal. That’s why all we’ve been hearing is “We’ve done well, we just need to do this and that to be even better.”

“How do we counter it?” asked Tutut again.

“We don’t”, replied Prabowo calmly “We’ve got to keep playing our game. We’ve got a well-funded organization around Indonesia, that’s what’s prompting him to use the State Address as a veiled campaign speech. We keep playing our game, we put as many PKPB members as possible in the DPR and MPR, and we increase your chances of winning.”

---
“

Utilizing Our Natural Resources ​

Honorable members of the DPR,

Much has been made about our nation’s natural resources. People say that we only need to plant a seed into our soil, do nothing, and plants would sprout. If we were to believe that quote and all that has been said about our national resources then all of us in this building has no business being here because everything would be just fine.

As in life, we live not on how much potential we have but what we do with that potential. For our nation to successfully conduct national development, all of the natural resources that has been endowed to us by Almighty God must be placed at our disposal and utilized.

And so today I outline the Government’s aspirations as it relates to natural resources.

Natural Resources That Has Not Been Fully Utilized:
Fellow Indonesians,

Our nation comprises of more than 17,000 islands, 81,000 KMs of coastline and 62% of our total area comprise of water. Despite this and despite the song which says that “my ancestor was a sailor”, we forget or don’t acknowledge enough that we are a maritime nation. Calling ourselves an “agrarian nation”, the large natural resource that is our sea is lumped together as part of agriculture.

Our seas and the resources contained within are too important to be merely lumped together. This was why at a time when we were cutting spending, I had no second thoughts about forming a Department of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. We needed to secure and utilize our maritime resources. We also want fisheries to provide employment and a livelihood for those who choose fisheries as their path and for fisheries to provide an alternative source of food.

It is this Government’s intention that fisheries should have the same role in our seas that agriculture plays on land. To be sure, there is more to be done in this regard”

Applause by DPR members.

“Land is another natural resource we have yet to utilize properly; for the simple fact that the Government has not been good enough in the services it provide.

Since 1988, our nation has had a National Agrarian Agency (BPN). In its 13 years of existence, the BPN has issued 30 million land certificates. If as the numbers suggest we have an estimated 89 million land parcels, it means that we’ve only issued land certificates for 1/3 of our lands. The other 2/3 have gone unrecorded and this could may well lead to disputes.

In the last few years the Government has focused on issuing land certificates for houses and buildings developed and/or sold in the last two years as well as land to be released for infrastructure projects but we, in this case the BPN, need to do better. Not only in terms of simplifying and cleaning up procedures for the issuance land certificates but also further developing the BPN’s capabilities through computerization.

By providing for legal certainty on land we will make it possible for Indonesians to feel more secure in utilizing their land whether it be to build a property, open a business on it, rent the land or use it as a collateral for bank loans in order to open a business.

Such are our natural resources which has only begun to be utilized.

Maximizing Our Utilization of Natural Resources:

Mr. Chairman,

What natural resources we are already utilizing needs to be maximized so that it will make a large contribution to our development.
In tourism, this means promoting alternative tourist attractions, building infrastructure leading to these alternative tourist attractions, and supporting the tourism, hospitality, and related industries as it relates to these alternative tourist attractions. We do not want our tourism industry to only be reliant on one location if our goal, as stated in Repelita VII, is for tourism to be our largest foreign currency earner.

Maximalization also applies in mining. In the nearly 4 years since I had assumed office, the Government has gone ahead with projects to construct the second and third EXOR oil refineries. EXOR II will be in Sorong, Irian Jaya in cooperation with partners including Saudi Arabia’s Aramco and ground has been broken last year while EXOR III will be in Bintan, Riau with partners including British Petroleum with ground due to be broken late this year or early next.
Today I announce that we will also proceed with the fourth EXOR refinery. This refinery will be located in Dumai Riau and…. “

Applause by DPR members.

“…and our partners for this project will also include Brazil’s Petrobras. I must credit the Vice President at this point for his ongoing work in convincing the Brazilians to be involved with this project….”


Vice President JB Sumarlin smiled at the applause that came his way. Try turned to him and nodded.

“The Government attaches great importance to these projects in the field of energy for two reasons. First, it will allow us to export petroleum rather than merely crude oil. Second, though these refineries will be export-oriented, it will also allow us to meet more of our increased domestic requirements.
Fellow Indonesians wherever you may be,

The Government wishes to utilize and maximize the utilization of all of the nation’s natural resources in the interests of the Indonesian people. When these interests are not well-served, the Government reserves the right to take action on behalf of the Indonesian people.

Our forests, much as our other natural resources, are the third largest tropical forests in the world. It is a utilized natural resources in the pursuit of national development. Yet all of us here in this building and at home know that our forests are wrongly taken advantage of by those acting out of selfish short term interests, often times holders of forest concessions operating beyond the boundaries of what they are legally allowed to do and not following regulations.

In 1997, news came to light of a company based in Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia was caught ferrying 3,000 undocumented logs from across the border in East Kalimantan. It was further found that the logs belonged to a “major concessionaire” in Indonesia and that these 3,000 undocumented logs only is only 1/7 of all undocumented logs smuggled from Indonesia to Malaysia to be then exported to Japan. The Government has conducted investigation and has determined that to this day, this concessionaire, identified as PT Yamaker has continued its illegal operations.

In July, as previously announced by the Government, a 12 month period has begun in which all forest concessionaires are given the opportunity to comply with existing laws and regulations before legal action is taken against those contravening the law.

With reference to PT Yamaker’s continuing non-compliance of the law and to show the seriousness of the Government to protect Indonesia’s natural resources, I announce today that the revocation of PT Yamaker’s Forest Concession Right and that as of 1st January 2002, these concession rights will be taken over by PT. Perhutani.”

The applause this time was led by ABRI’s DPR members led by the Leader of ABRI in the DPR Fachrul Rozi. The camera cut to Commander of ABRI Wiranto who was giving a strong applause at the cabinet ministers’ seats.

“I do not wish to be seen as handing out punishments or making examples. Only that now all forest concession holders engaging in smuggling, illegal logging, building illegal saw mills and other illegal activities will bring their arrangements to order.”

---

Somewhere in South Jakarta, Chairwoman of PNI Megawati Soekarnoputri and her inner circle also watched the speech.

“That’s a big one”, said Secretary of PNI Sutjipto “He’s sending a message there: “If I’m willing to go after a forest concession holder affiliated to and backed by ABRI, I’m going to be even more willing to go after everybody else.”

“On the other hand”, began Taufiq Kiemas “He needs something big in natural resources to compensate for the fact that he couldn’t do anything about Freeport.”

“I’m curious what he bought ABRI off with”, said Treasurer of PNI Laksamana Sukardi “That’s over 1 million hectares of forest concessions he just revoked.”

“If our source in the Try camp is correct, those 5 new infantry brigades announced not too long ago was the price for this”, said Taufiq “Along with spending more on defense .”

Human Resources​

Honorable members of the DPR,

Whilst our natural resources are plentiful, they will be of no use if there is no one to utilize and take advantage of it. Our lands will remain empty, our minerals will remain underground, and our industries unbuilt unless there are those among us with the necessary skills and integrity to use these resources well and for a greater good better than themselves. Increasingly, our emphasis on what we need to utilize most must shift from our natural resources to human resources.

Education:
Before we can utilize our human resources, we must develop it and key to this is our education.
The Government is committed to the following in education:
-Achieving Compulsory 9 Year Education by the end of Repelita VII:

During the Asian Financial Crisis, as part of the May 1998 Stimulus Package and to encourage economic activity, the Government has engaged in a massive program to build junior high school buildings; significantly expanding the physical infrastructure for this level of education. We have built on that by increasing teacher training. Post-crisis, the Government has been very heartened to find that people, especially of low income and in both rural and urban areas, are secure enough economically and enthusiastic enough to send their children to school.

Though the original aim has been for the end of Repelita VIII in 2009 Financial Year to achieve Compulsory 9 Years Education, the Government feels that the present circumstances should be taken advantage of and have made it the goal to ensure Compulsory 9 Years Education by the end of Replita VII in 2004.

-Vocational Education:

Beyond these 9 years of education, the Government will be emphasizing improvement of access towards vocational education. This is so that our young men and women have more opportunity to become skilled, making them a more attractive prospect for employment in factories, mines, hotels, and construction sites or as the case may be, the certification needed to be a service provider as they open their own car repair garage or hairdressing salon.

-Early Childhood Education:
When I assumed office, there are 115 state kindergartens across Indonesia mostly functioning as pilot projects and training centers for kindergarten teachers and operators. In my time as president, this number has not changed much. Compare this to the more than 41,000 private kindergartens across Indonesia and is it any wonder that early childhood education is still considered a luxury.

Early childhood education should not be a luxury. Instead, it should be an opportunity for all to begin early with their child’s personal development.

This is why in March this year, I have given approval to the Minister of Education to begin expansion of access to kindergartens across the nation. Teachers are receiving training and state primary schools around the nation have begun adding additional classrooms and expanding their playgrounds to facilitate kindergarten classes which will take place there. Reading, writing, and counting will be taught in kindergartens but the emphasis will be on moral education so that our children, from the earliest age, will be prepared to have morals and values so that they can become good citizens.

We have begun with 115 state kindergartens, our goal is by 2008, early childhood education, at the very least kindergarten, will available for all Indonesians…”

The President stops as another applause greeted this announcement.

“
Working Lifes:

Honorable members of the DPR,

Whatever the choice they make in their working lives, I hope that, as much as possible, all Indonesians will come to have employment that is meaningful for themselves, the opportunity to use the skills which they have acquired, and through these things make a positive contribution to society whatever their line of work is.

The Government’s goal as it relates to the people’s working life is to ensure the best working conditions possible because employment is the means by which people earn income for themselves and their families.

In 1997, my predecessor’s Government had passed a Manpower Law. However controversy surrounding the process of passing this law along with the Government’s priority on making sure that Indonesians are able to be employed again as the economy recovers, has meant that this law has not implemented though at the same time it has not come info effect.

After conducting careful study, the Government has determined that not only that this law has not come into effect but that this law should not come into effect. Accordingly, with this address I have attached a letter to you, Mr. Chairman, asking for the DPR’s agreement that this law be revoked.

In its place, the Government intends to submit a new Manpower Bill by the end of the year. This bill will contain provisions regulating such things working conditions, minimum wages, and dismissals, the aim of which will be to establish an industrial system acceptable to workers and employers alike and which will facilitate the creation of employment.

Fellow Indonesians,

One phenomena which we all witnessed during the Asian Financial Crisis is that more of our fellow citizens, usually after losing their employment, have decided to create employment rather than look for it. Often understated is the role that small and medium enterprises have played in our economic recovery. These small and medium enterprises create employment initially the person setting up the business and as it grows, generating further employment for others and encouraging others to try the same.

It is the Government’s task, across the various departments and agencies, to facilitate the nation’s small and medium enterprises so that it can make its contribution to our nation’s economic life in accordance with Presidential Instruction 4/1995. I would like to emphasize two ways in which the Government can facilitate these enterprises:

First, though such services should be provided to all citizens not just small and medium enterprises, the Government can facilitate small and medium enterprises by cutting bureaucratic red tape; less waiting times, less bureaucratic hurdles to go through, and less forms to sign. The worst thing the Government can do at a time when people are interested in opening businesses is to get caught up in being bureaucratic.

Second, the Government can facilitate, though once again this treatment should be given to all citizens, small and medium enterprises by giving them legal certainty and equal opportunity. Whatever their size, the regional or ethnic origin of the owners, or how close they are to those in positions in power they must not be favored or discriminated against. They must have equal opportunity.

Health:
Mr. Chairman,

No less important than educating and skilling as well as facilitating our human resources is the task of ensuring their physical well-being. Without good health, Indonesians will not be able to be active and productive in their daily lives.

The Government’s health policy has been centered around ensuring that our population have access to primary healthcare treatment. Since the 1997/1998 financial year the number of our Community Health Centers has remained at 7,106. However since 1999, the Government has undergone a building program so that all of these Community Health Center buildings will have a second floor. This will increase each Community Health Center’s capacity to provide primary health care as there will be more room for patients though this will be augmented by the recruitment of additional staff.

By the end of the current financial year, over 3,200 Community Health Centers or nearly half of the all existing Community Health Centers… “

Applause from the DPR members.

“…of all existing Community Health Centers will have a second floor and the Government has every intention of completing this and enacting other measures to provide better health services to Indonesians.”

Managing Our Population:

Honorable members of the DPR,

Based on the results of last year’s census, at 204,9 million inhabitants, we are the fourth most populous nation on the planet. On the one hand this makes Indonesia an attractive place as a place to invest in given our potential as a market and as pool of labor.

For the Government, it means that our population must be managed.

In the short term this will be done through our continuing of the transmigration program. We will continue to encourage families to move from Java and settle them in the other major islands around the nation. By giving more priority to those intending to open a business at their new place of settlement and encouraging economic and infrastructure development at transmigration destinations specifically and outside of Java more generally, the Government is seeking to make transmigration an increasing attractive proposition for those wishing to make a new life for themselves and their family.

For the long term, the Government will continue with Family Planning. Though Family Planning campaigns have made as its slogan “Two Children Is Enough”, the nation’s fertility rate as of last year’s census stands at 2.7 babies so that it might be said that though this program has been successful in decreasing birthrates in its three decades of existence, it had not achieved the goal it had set out in its slogan. The goal of the Government with family planning will be to first to reduce fertility rate to at least 2.5 in the medium term and then to 2.0 in the longer term.”

---

As DPR members around him gave an applause to another policy announcement by the President, DPR Member/Chairman of PPP Matori Abdul Djalil chuckled to himself. He had thought this would be a routine speech but had perked up when the President first openly criticized the Government’s “complacency” before the Asian Financial Crisis and then when one after another, the President announced goals that he would like to achieve across various areas of policy in the speech.

Matori had done the calculations in his head, there were 19 more months until the President’s current term comes to an end. It would definitely need more than 19 months for the President to implement all the things he was saying and now all this talk about the medium and longer term…

---

That ran longer than I had planned so the section on society gets shifted to the next post.

The number of only 1/3 of all land are certified is from page 2 of https://successfulsocieties.princet...es/LS_Land_Indonesia_Formatted_12.12.17_1.pdf The only difference is that the OTL numbers was reached in 2005 whereas the ITTL numbers is reached in 2001 in keeping with the “ITTL doing better than OTL” theme.

Story of Yamaker is from https://www.cifor.org/publications/pdf_files/articles/AObidzinski0701.pdf

Yamaker’s affiliation to ABRI was that it was a military cooperative. OTL, its forest concession was revoked by Habibie in 1999.

Compulsory 9 Years Education originally being envisioned to be completed in 15 years comes from Wardiman Djojonegoro’s memoirs (https://books.google.co.id/books?id=RCdIDwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=wardiman+djojonegoro&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwixkKPh0pDuAhUo6nMBHZHqCmoQ6AEwAXoECAMQAg#v=onepage&q=wardiman djojonegoro&f=false), there’s some parts here where complains about not getting enough funding to achieve Compulsory 9 Years Education though it’s somehow one of the pages that was not scanned. I would point to p. 309 to see some of his concerns.

Numbers of state kindergartens vs private kindergartens circa 1997/1998 comes from https://www.bappenas.go.id/id/data-...rtanggungjawaban-presiden-tahun-1993-sd-1998/ Chapter XVIII.


The “Puskesmas has second floor” program comes from ITTL. Please go to Threadmark 47 for the beginning of this program.


Retconned Indonesia’s ITTL Population in 2000 from 202,3 million to 204,9 million so that the decrease in birthrate is not so drastic. OTL population is 206 million.

The 1997 Manpower Law is controversial not only because it faced strong resistance from workers but also because when it was formulated, then-Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief allegedly used Rp. 7,1 billion of Jamsostek money to help “smooth” the passing the law. When news began to break of this issue, Soeharto said that he would handle it though nothing ever came of it. Wahid also tried to prosecute but the prosecution was ceased in 2000.

The ITTL fertility rate being at 2.7 is based on https://www.bappenas.go.id/files/da...erah/Statistik 70 Tahun Indonesia Merdeka.pdf where the fertility rate in 1997 is 2.8 with the assumption that the fertility rate has decreased since 1997.

 

[GSD310]

“

Pancasila Society​

Mr. Chairman,
We seek to aim for high growth and utilize all of the resources available not merely to build an economy but to build a society. Indeed, our goal in the past has been “A Just and Prosperous Society Based On Pancasila”. For the present however, we need to do one better. We should aim not only to be a society based on Pancasila but be a Pancasila Society.

Adherence to Pancasila:
To be a Pancasila Society we must first adhere to Pancasila.

This Government believes in Pancasila. It believes in each of the Pancasila’s 5 principles, it believes that Pancasila should continue to be disseminated through continuation of P4 training.

More importantly, it believes that those propagating ideas and worldview contrary to Pancasila should be resisted.

There are two main ideologies and worldviews contrary to Pancasila and which seeks to replace it. The first is the Extreme Left which advocates class struggle and the second is the Extreme Right, which seeks to replace Pancasila with religious-based rule.

The assassination of the Chairman of BP-7 in February 2000 and Operation Sledgehammer which was conducted in January 2001 -of those with links to radical organizations Jemaah Islamiyah and Al Qaeda and of those propagating the Extreme Right in general- has convinced the Government that its vigilance at the present time must be directed towards the Extreme Right.

This does not lessen our vigilance towards the Extreme Left or any other ideologies and worldviews hostile towards Pancasila, but we must remind ourselves that our vigilance must be directed towards all those seeking to replace Pancasila irrespective of where in the political spectrum they came from.

Bhinneka Tunggal Ika:
To be a Pancasila Society is to live according to our state motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. Unity in Diversity.

We are over 200 million people, over 17,000 islands, over 600 ethnicities, and 6 recognized faiths. This is who we are: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, Unity in Diversity. There should not be nor should there any need for distinctions between majorities and minorities. There should not be nor should there be fear of being dominated by majorities or minorities. Everyone is an Indonesian.

The Government will not stand idly by if there are those within our country seeking to divide our nation along religious, ethnicity, class, or other lines.”

Led by its ABRI members, the DPR gave a standing applause at this.

“This diversity is us and when we acknowledge it, we are all the more dynamic and all the more strong for it.

Housing:
To be a Pancasila Society is not only about ideals and visions. In this society, it is always implied that at a material level the basic needs of the members of this society are guaranteed. Sufficient food, sufficient clothing, though today I would like to focus on sufficient housing.

Housing is important and not only because it is a basic need. If the supply of houses cannot keep up with the demand for housing in these economic times, prices of houses will increase and housing will become less accessible.

To account for the Asian Financial Crisis and the effect that it has had on the construction and property development sector and the Government’s priorities on stimulus with fiscal responsibility, Repelita VII has set a target of 450,000 new simple and very simple houses between 1999/2000 and 2003/2004. This is lower than the Repelita VI target of 500,000. Our economy now in a better shape and with over 280,000 constructed, it is the Government’s intention that we should exceed this target by the end of this term in March 2003.

Beyond that the Government must make up for lost time and in that respect, today I announce that for Repelita VIII, the Government will be setting a target of 1,000,000 new simple and very simple…"

A standing applause led by the DPR members from PKPI.

“…and very simple houses.

Honorable members of the DPR,

Though the Asian Financial Crisis is over in Indonesia, there is one unfinished business which the nation has left to settle when it comes to the effects of this crisis. As a result of the loss of value in our currency there are some of our fellow Indonesians who have fallen back into poverty. After reaching a rate of 11% in 1996, the number of those living below the poverty line reached 15% in 1998 before decreasing to 14.4% in 1999 and then again to 13% in 2000. The Government’s goal remains to reach 11%, or back to pre-crisis levels in 1996 before the end of the current term…”

Applause by DPR members.

“The ultimate goal, however, is not to stop at 11%. It is to make sure that all Indonesians are lifted out of poverty. To that end the Government has two programs in store.

The first, already announced, of which pilot projects have already begun, and where the full program will begin next financial year will be the Empowered Communities National Program (PNPM). This program will allow communities in urban and rural areas to -with oversight over budget, planning, and implementation- decide to themselves what kind of projects will be most relevant and best-suited to the needs of their communities when it comes to poverty eradication…”

There was applause from the DPR’s PKPI members though the PKPB members noticeably kept quiet; the establishment of the PNPM program coming at the expense of the Left Behind Villages Presidential Instruction program initiated by President Soeharto.

“The second program, will require more preparation as its scope is significantly larger. That is why today, as a first step, I announce the formation of an Interdepartmental Team to be chaired by the Vice President which will look into the possibility and feasibility of a National Social Insurance System. This team will look a whether or not our Nation has the capability to provide an expanded national health insurance and national work insurance scheme…”

The DPR’s PKPI members, with proud looks on their faces gave the President a standing ovation followed by the PPP and ABRI members. The PKPB members took their time but reluctantly joined in.

“

Being Confident On The World Stage​

Fellow Indonesians,

As we go about making our aspirations come true; to grow our economy and utilize all of our resources both natural and human as well as establish a Pancasila society for the sake of national development, we also want to do these things to increase our stature in the world, we need to remember that Indonesia does not exist in a vacuum. We must take into account our international environment and use the developments occurring in it to our advantage.

Therefore, our nation’s aspiration as it looks outwards into the world is that we want our nation to be confident when it stands on the world stage.

Engaging Economically With The World:
Mr. Chairman,

Our nation is confident on the world stage when it is engaging economically with the world. This has been reflected in our commitment from the mid-1980s of adopting an outward-looking stance so that we can sell what we make not only to our domestic population but also to the world market. Since that time, the majority of our exports have come from the ranks of non-oil and gas exports.

Today I reiterate our two-pronged export strategy.

The first is that we should export value-added goods. Up until the present, our tendency has been to export our goods, in particular our agricultural commodities, in its raw form. We must change our strategy. We must keep these raw goods in the country, add value to it, and then export it overseas. This is why I have decided to ban raw rattan exports. Why export rattan in its raw form when we can process it in our country, encourage industry and employment in the country while we are at it, and then export it as furniture?

The second is that we must expand our export markets. The lesson of the current international recession is that we cannot rely on our major markets to remain economically healthy all the time. The consequence of being export-oriented is that when our market suffers a downturn, our exports also suffer a downturn. As a result, the Government has begun to embark on a strategy to tap into markets in the developed world by promoting exports of fast moving consumer goods. It will not only be our instant noodles which will find space on shelves in Papua New Guinea or Nigeria but also our bottled tea, our detergents, and our over-the-counter medicines.

A matter that is closely related to exports and imports is that of tariffs. In the nearly four years I have held this office, the Government had conducted tariff reductions on an as needed basis to suit the needs of the economy in a particular time rather than as a part of a broader policy package.

Today, I re-commit the Government to pre-existing Free Trade Agreements; in this case the ASEAN Free Trade Area and APEC’s Bogor Goals. Given that the implementation of AFTA was suspended in 1998, I can announce that the Government intends to bring a set of proposals to this year’s ASEAN Summit regarding AFTA. As regards, APEC, the Government is committed to free trade in APEC in 2010 for developed countries and 2020 for developing countries.

Asserting Our National Interests:
Honorable members of the DPR,

Our nation is confident on the world stage when it is able to assert its national interests from a position of independence.

Developments in international politics are something that we need to be mindful of. At the beginning of the previous decade all of us witnessed the end of the Cold War and the arrival of of what has been referred to as the End of History. Yet a decade on after the end of the Cold War, its spectre seems to continue to haunt us. The United States, the world’s remaining superpower, is now having its authority questioned and challenged by Russia and the People’s Republc of China. Some say that this is the beginning of a new Cold War though still others point to the emergence of “poles” in the international order and argued that this was the beginning of a multipolar world.

As it concerns Indonesia, whatever the developments and trends that the world is heading for us, it is imperative for us to focus on our national interests. We should be able to define what these national interests are and leveraging the visible results of the national development we have conducted at home,

be confident enough to assert these national interests. Our foreign policy must be free and active, to that we must add free and active in the assertion of our national interests.

To assert our national interests we will need not only confidence but also a position of foreign policy independence through which our interests can be asserted. On a national level, Indonesia must not become a satellite in a “New Cold War” or a proxy of one of the “poles” in a multipolar world.

On a regional level, the Government believes that the nations of Southeast Asia cannot allow themselves to be used as satellite or proxies. With our sizeable populations and rapidly developing economies, Southeast Asian nations should be able approach the issues of the world from a position of independence and this can only happen if Southeast Asian nations find strength in numbers. As I like to say my fellow Southeast Asian heads of states/governments, the source of their nation’s national security can be found in Southeast Asia but outside of it.

But we cannot achieve strength in numbers if nations in the region are running the risk of becoming satellite and proxies of nations outside the region or of nations seeking to flex their strength. There are 10 of us in ASEAN. Allowing outside influence means giving free votes for those not in the meeting room when an ASEAN Summit is held. It is this outside influence in the region which must be lessened and stood up against in order for Indonesia more specifically and Southeast Asia more generally.

Defending Ourselves:
Finally, our nation has confidence on the world stage if we are able to defend ourselves.

In the last 3 decades we have made a conscious effort to focus on economic development and that this has meant a sacrifice on the part of our defense budget. However, as a percentage of GDP and despite our continually developing and growing economy, defense budget continued to decline. From 3.5% of GDP in 1975 to 1.23 % in 1995 before rising to 1.5% in 1997. Throughout the crisis, the Government has stabilized this decline at 1.2% before increasing to 1.5% in 2000.

The Government intends to significantly increase our nation’s defense spending. This is not a matter of percentages of defense spending to GDP or prestige but a matter of necessity. For a nation with a territory and economy of our size, we need to spend more than 1.5% of our GDP to secure our territories, continually develop ABRI’s weaponry, and care or the welfare of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and policemen. Our neighbors, for example, are spending upwards of 4% and even 5% of their GDP on defense.

The Government is committed to the defense of our people and to the improvement of ABRI.”

---
As the ABRI members in the DPR building led the applause, Chairman of PKPI/Leader of the PKPI in the DPR Basofi Sudirman joined in. Basofi smiled, the President had taken in the advice he and Chairman of the PKPI National Campaign Hendropriyono had given; that this State Address, the last one to be given before the 2002 Legislative Elections and with two people gunning for the presidency, should function as a political manifesto of what Try and the PKPI stood for as well as an agenda to the future.

Basofi felt a nudge on his elbow. He turned to his left where DPR member and Treasurer of PKPI Rambe Kamarulzaman waved his mobile phone.

“I just got the message, Mr. Chairman”, he said “The first of the campaign funds has been transferred to the 27 provincial branches.”
---

"

Pancasila Democracy:​

Honorable members of the DPR,

Underpinning all the aspirations which I have mentioned to you above is our political system. It is important that our political system is stable so that the Government can pursue the aspirations already mentioned. Since 1966, that political system has been Pancasila Democracy.

This political system, based on the 1945 Constitution, has served us well. In the final years of my predecessor’s presidency, there have been calls that changes to our political system has been necessary.

I agree that after three decades, some changes to our political system is necessary. It is why since I have taken office, the following has been enacted:

-Changes in the relationship between the Central and Regional Governments. Allowing the latter more share in the revenue from natural resources and more leeway in decision-making whilst remaining within the framework of a Unitary State.

-Establishing two new Special Regions in Irian Jaya and East Timor and passing laws providing the legal framework for the 5 Special Regions we now have in Aceh, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Irian Jaya, and East Timor.

-Establishing an electoral commission where the chairman’s position is not held by the Minister of Home Affairs to allow for neutrality in the conduct of the election.

-Banning civil servants and active members of ABRI from joining political parties unless they have chosen to retire to allow for a more neutral environment in an election but accommodating the possibility of political aspiration.

-Beginning a process which would see authority over courts transferred from the Department of Legal Affairs to the Supreme Court in 5 years for a more independent judicial branch.

This is not counting the political changes that we had not counted on, the emergence of multiple presidential candidates at the 1998 MPR General Session and the changes in our political parties system; the dissolvement of Golkar, the emergence of the PKPI, PKPB, and PNI, and the absorbtion of the PDI into the PKPB.

I do not for a second disagree that changes can be made to our political system. What I disagree with is the notion that we must change without specifying what it is that such change means. This will lead to change for change’s sake and trying to fit in as much changes as possible. Political reform is important but for the moment, the best guarantor of political reform is political stability. And political stability is ensured by having predictability in our political cycle.

This is why today, I am making my final announcement in this speech.

I announce that there will be a General Election on Tuesday 21st May 2002. As has been the case with all elections since 1971, this election will determine who sits in the MPR, DPR, the Provincial DPRDs and the Regency/Municipal DPRDs.

This will be an important election, the first to be held in Indonesia the 21st century. My wish is for all Indonesians to contribute by casting their votes for political parties which will best advance this nation’s cause as it makes its way into the future.”

Audible gasps could be heard throughout the DPR building, especially from the PKPB members.

“Mr. Chairman,

Such are the aspirations that I have set out for the Government and for the nation: high economic growth and low inflation, resilient industry and strong agriculture, utilizing our natural resources, nurturing our human resources, a Pancasila Society, being confident on the world stage, and Pancasila Democracy.

I have outlined these aspirations so that this Independence Day, we do not merely celebrate the past and the present but look to an even better future.

Because it is all of our hope that this nation in the future will be even more advanced and even more solid in its unity as we go on to fulfill our nation’s goals and realize the goals of the Proclamation of Independence made in 1945.

May Almighty God always bless this beloved nation of ours.
Thank you.
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.”

---
Thank God it’s done hahahaha. My goal with this speech was just to show that we’re transitioning where increasingly what is considered history are things happening ITTL. Assassination of the Chairman of BP-7 Operation Sledgehammer against the members of the extreme right, and the political reforms mentioned towards the end are all events that happen ITTL.

The stats regarding housing in Repelita VI comes from https://www.bappenas.go.id/id/data-...ertanggungjawaban-presiden-tahun-1993-sd-1998 chapter X

So we have ITTL’s version of BPJS is also in the process of being worked on here.

Defense spending as a percentage of GDP comes from https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/IDN/indonesia/military-spending-defense-budget

Thank you for all who’s been coming back despite the fact that we’ve been stuck on ITTL 16th August 2001 for some time. Let’s get moving through time again.

 

[Rizkyss]

So religious nut will not become a huge thing ITTL?

How is corruption in TTL? without "reformasi" corruption might be more entrench in Indonesia

 

[Pilatypus]

So religious nut will not become a huge thing ITTL?

How is corruption in TTL? without "reformasi" corruption might be more entrench in Indonesia

Probably lowered on both counts. There will still be religious nuts but with less funding as bin Laden redirected it to impending 9/11 and the government cracked down harder because of the assassination of a high ranking official. On corruption, they got BLBI down and set an ABRI backed business as an example to the potential lawbreakers, even if it needed a bit of concession of more defense spending (which is sorely needed anyway and no hard feelings as Try was a military man himself, not to mention the boon for local military industries). That should show his government's willingness to go after corruptors as not even cronies are safe.

 

[Rizkyss]

Probably lowered on both counts. There will still be religious nuts but with less funding as bin Laden redirected it to impending 9/11 and the government cracked down harder because of the assassination of a high ranking official. On corruption, they got BLBI down and set an ABRI backed business as an example to the potential lawbreakers, even if it needed a bit of concession of more defense spending (which is sorely needed anyway and no hard feelings as Try was a military man himself, not to mention the boon for local military industries). That should show his government's willingness to go after corruptors as not even cronies are safe.

Well for the short term this maybe good, as this Try is willing to clash with corruptor. But after Try?

 

[Pilatypus]

Well for the short term this maybe good, as this Try is willing to clash android with corruptor. But after Try?

Depends on if he will form anti-corruption body like KPK. He still has another term, this string of updates shows how strong his position is as an incumbent. He can lay down the groundwork for further anti corruption activities, empowering laws and the like. Note that even with reformation, we still got high level corruption cases touching minister level officials. So this problem won't go away soon and needs a lot of continuous work.

 

[GSD310]

So religious nut will not become a huge thing ITTL?

How is corruption in TTL? without "reformasi" corruption might be more entrench in Indonesia

I''ll keep myself to this question because I don't want to spoil things.

For religion, I would say yes, the "nuts" won't be a big thing. This has grounds in OTL where OTL Try is not big on religion entering politics, Sharia law etc. as can be seen below :

For non-Indonesian speakers, OTL Try is saying there that he's all for Sharia if it's limited to an individual thing but that he's against it if people want to establish an Islamic state.

In terms of corruption, for sure there's less corruption ITTL when compared with OTL. It's still there but somewhat less obvious. ITTL BKPM and the Department of Finance are probably in the lead when it comes to how good they are at cleaning their departments while the Minister of Mining and Energy, Minister of Forestry and Environment, and the Head of BPN are facing the most struggle against a resistant bureaucracy.

For ITTL corrupters, they don't live with the fear that they might get caught by something like OTL KPK, their real fear is that the Government might find out what they're doing and cause them losses by asking to pay what they owe the state. In ITTL 1998 it was the turn of the BLBI recipients and right now, it's the turn of the forest concession-holders to be worried.

 

[GSD310]

17th August 2001:
President Try Sutrisno, looking decidedly very confident after making his State Address, led the nation as it commemorated the 56th Anniversary of the Nation’s Independence.

After the Independence Day ceremonies, the President and Vice President JB Sumarlin accompanied by Minister of Industry Siswono Yudohusodo and State Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Bacelius Ruru attended a teleconference for a groundbreaking ceremony for an iron smelter in South Kalimantan. The iron smelter is owned by PT Meratus Jaya, joint venture between state-owned enterprises PT Antam and PT Krakatau Steel.

Then there were Friday prayers at Istiqlal Mosque with the President sitting in the front row with Chairman of DPR Harmoko.

Approaching evening, the guests at the Presidential Palace began gathering again for the flag-lowering ceremony. Chairwoman of PKPB Tutut Soeharto and her husband Indra Rukmana were early and bumped into another couple who had came early; Chairwoman of PNI Megawati Soekarnoputri and her husband Taufieq Kiemas.

“He ambushed us with that Election announcement did he not, Mbak?” asked Tutut after the pleasantries were over.

“You have your funds and organizations, I have my masses and activists, he has his incumbency”, shrugged Megawati “We all have to play to our strengths.”

19th August 2001:
Secretary of PNI/Chairman of the PNI’s National Campaign Sutjipto accompanied by Kwik Kian Gie and Rizal Ramli held a joint press conference. The three provided a response to the President’s State Address. They notably highlighted the President’s silence on Freeport as an admission that the Government had failed to get Freeport to begin divesting its shares to Indonesia as well as the abolition of the National Commission of Human Rights as evidence that the Government does not care about human rights.

A book entitled “President Try’s Aspirations For The Future” which is a transcript of the 2001 State Address and published by the PKPI National Campaign Team begin to appear in bookshops.

20th August 2001:
Speaking to reporters on his way to his office, Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas clarified that the President’s announcement about the election date only means that Indonesia has an election date but that things such as when the campaign will be held will be determined later. He called on all four political parties to focus instead of preparing their list of DPR candidates.

In a television interview, Leader of PKPB in the DPR Hartono said that the President’s “staple food” policy was essentially the government giving up on rice self-sufficiency.

21st August 2001:
Minister of Agriculture Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, Head of Bulog Adang Ruchiatna, Head of Setdal Bimas Usman Hasan, and the top officials of the Department of Agriculture came out of a meeting with the President. Speaking to the press, Sarwono said that the President discussed with them about implementation of his vision for agriculture. Sarwono had a wry smile when he was asked if the Government was giving up on rice self-sufficiency.

“That’s the kind of reaction that I would expect from those who want to impose uniformity on what people eat”, said Sarwono.

22nd August 2001:
The PPP’s National Leadership Council held a meeting today to discuss election preparations. Those inside described a shouting match between Chairman of PPP Matori Abdul Djalil and Chairman of the PPP’s National Campign Hamzah Haz. Hamzah asked why was the PPP not told about the election if it was part of the President’s coalition while Matori said that Hamzah should make it clear he supports the Government rather than “flirting” with the idea of supporting Tutut and PKPB.

Afterwards, Secretary of PPP Bachtiar Chamsyah read out a statement saying that the PPP was ready to mount a strong campaign at the 2002 Elections.

Minister of Education Fakry Gaffar and Minister of Civil Service Kuntoro Mangkusubroto came out of a meeting with with the President. They announced that President Try had approved for the formation of a Directorate General of Early Childhood Education.

23rd August 2001:
The President and his entourage arrived at Husein Sastaranegara Airbase in Bandung, West Java in the morning. Along with Minister of Transportation Soerjadi Soedirja, State Minister of Research and Technology Indra Bambang Utoyo, State Secretary Edi Sudrajat, and Governor of West Java Muzani Syukur, CEO of IPTN Said Djauharsjah Jenie, and BJ Habibie, the President was there to witness IPTN’s third N-250 prototype take flight for the first time. In his speech after the plane had landed, the President hailed IPTN’s aircrafts as “visible signs” of Indonesia’s progress as a nation.

The conversation around the lunch table after the ceremony had finished, it was made known to the President that the next challenge for the N-250 was gaining FAA Certification. Said Jenie explained that the FAA had been slow but got worst after the change from the Clinton to McCain Administration. Try said that he would look into it though he said Indonesia’s relationship with the United States was not at its best at the moment.

24th August 2001:
The President went to Friday prayer and had lunch with Chairman of DPR Harmoko. The two discussed recent political happenings as well as matters of state such as legislation to be passed. The two agreed that the Manpower Bill, when it came, would be a priority given how important it was to the livelihood for many.

“In other news, I hear you’ve changed your domicile to Solo, Central Java, Mr. Chairman”, said Try, moving on to other things.

“You heard correctly, Mr. President”, replied Harmoko cheerfully “Just wanted to change it to my hometown. In 1997, I ran for a DPR seat representing West Java, this time I want to run representing Central Java.”

“I always thought you were from Nganjuk”, countered Try referring to the East Javanese town.

“Just born there, Mr. President”, said Harmoko “Always been a Solo boy.”

“But Central Java”, began Try “If I read my PKPI National Campaign briefing correctly, it’s going to be a battleground.”

“It will be”, confirmed Harmoko “Prabowo did enough when he was Governor of Central Java to create a base of support for the PKPB there, it’s Matori’s home province and he wants to win there, Megawati normally runs as a DPR member representing there, but I’m up for a fight.”

25th August 2001:
Interviewed on RRI about recent political developments, Chairman of ICMI Nurcholish Madjid was asked who ICMI would support in the next election. Nurcholish said that ICMI would not support either one of PKPI, PKPB, PNI, or PPP and gave his explanation.

“I think on an individual level, ICMI members might want to support certain political parties and might even want to be candidates but that’s a matter for them. They will of course bring with them their background as ICMI members and lobby for support from ICMI members but as an organization ICMI would not get involved. We would stay neutral”, said Nurcholish.

“What about beyond that? What about the 2003 MPR General Session”, asked the host.

“Pretty much the same”, Nurcholish began “Whoever the presidential candidates are, ICMI has to stay neutral and I’ll give you two reasons. First, we’ve progressed to a period where I don’t think we will ever again see one presidential candidate ever again. There were four presidential candidates at the 1998 MPR General Session and I’m pretty certain there will be multiple candidates in 2003. From where I sit, I believe that it is in ICMI’s interest that we are able to work together with whoever is the president in 2003 so it’s not wise if we declare we’re for this or that candidate.

Second, remember that the MPR consists of Group Delegates and Regional Delegates; MPR Delegates who are supposed to represent organizations and all walks of life and from the provinces. For ICMI as an organization to exercise the people’s sovereignty on the people’s behalf and exercise it credibly they need to have some detachment from the candidates, otherwise they’re better off joining one of the political parties. This goes for ICMI as well as these MPR delegates to be.”

27th August 2001:
At the Presidential Palace, the President swore in a batch of ambassadors which included the following:

*Lt. Gen. Kiki Syahnakri as Ambassador to Myanmar
*Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Tuswandi as Ambassador to Cambodia
*R. Adm. Freddy Numberi as Ambassador to Papua New Guinea

After the ceremony, the President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita gathered the ambassadors though these three were singled out. The President told Kiki and Tuswandi not to let Myanmar and Cambodia fall into China’s orbit while Freddy’s instructions were to strengthen relations with Papua New Guinea and use it as a door to Oceania.


28th August 2001:
The President met with Sumarlin, Minister of Economics and National Development Planning Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, Minister of Finance Mar’ie Muhammad, Governor of BI Boediono, Edi Sudrajat, Cabinet Secretary Hayono Isman and OCDS Sugeng Subroto.

Sumarlin emerged out of the meeting along with the ministers plus Boediono. The Vice President explained that the meeting was about the nation’s economic prospects over a longer term and more specifically how best to implement the aspirations outlined by the President in the State as far as national development planning and budgeting was concerned.

When asked if the Government was preparing an agenda for the next term, Sumarlin laughed. He only said that a) the President’s focused on this term and b)if anyone wants to lead Indonesia their vision should be longer than 18 months.

29th August 2001:
Chairman of the PKPB’s National Campaign Prabowo Subianto’s day began with a breakfast meeting with a grim-looking Tutut Soeharto. Prabowo asked her what was the problem.

“The overseas funds aren’t accessible anymore”, she said in a flat tone as she handed an envelope with a notification from an overseas bank “The bank account has been frozen.”

“Frozen?” he asked, surprised.

“It’s all there, it’s just that it can’t be transferred into the country because the bank account’s frozen”, Tutut explained, puttiing too much of an effort at a poker face “It means the money we could use for the campaign won’t be available anymore.”

There was an awkward silence.

“Should we go public with this?” asked Tutut “Make people feel insecure that the Government can freeze their savings?”

“No, that would be the wrong move”, replied Prabowo “It would feed into the narrative that this family has wealth hidden all over the world. There’s no doubt they signed some kind of an agreement with the Austrian Government, they’re a Western country with respect for the rule of law. It’s just that our Government is keeping this agreement a secret.”

“Hmmm….” said Tutut thoughtfully “What can we do?”

There was something in his sister-in-law’s face that made Prabowo want to smile though he knew he had to hide it.

“Well, Mbakyu”, began Prabowo “The President wants to fight you and he’s making sure that when he does, he’s doing it on as even a ground as possible. For Wanandi, Panigoro, Salim, Winata, Bakrie, we’re more of an even match if we don’t have access to those funds.”

Tutut fell silent. She stared at the space in front of her.

“Then let’s oblige him and give him that fight”, said Tutut.

“Understood, Mbakyu”, replied Prabowo.

30th August 2001:
The President and First Lady Tuti Setiawati paid their final respects today to ABRI Chief of Socio-Political Affairs Staff Agus Wirahadikusumah who died that morning of a heart attack. He was seen sitting and chatting with former Vice President Umar Wirahadikusumah who was Agus’ uncle. He was also seen talking with Commander of ABRI Wiranto and ABRI Chief of General Staff Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. On the way out, the President, with Edi Sudrajat walking beside him, had to go through questions asking who will be the new ABRI Chief of Socio-Political Affairs Staff. The President only said that he was there to mourn the lost of one of ABRI’s best sons.

31st August 2001:
A special guest arrived at the Presidential Palace this morning. Accompanied by his son, Minister of Trade Anthony Salim, Liem Sioe Liong met with the President who was accompanied by Edi Sudrajat. The old man and the President exchanged pleasantries and then got down to business.

“I ask for your permission to leave the country, Mr. President”, he said “I’ll just be in Singapore of course, but I just want to sit on the sidelines as you, Tutut, and your supporters clash with each other.”

“I understand, you have that permission, Om Liem”, said Try.

“I don’t begrudge the fact that you and Anthony are on one side while Tutut is on another, perhaps different generations have different ways of doing things”, Liem said again “But President Soeharto was my friend and I must respect the long-relationship that I had with him; though I support your Government, I must distance myself when it comes to the conflict that you are in with Tutut.”

“I understand”, said Try.

The two exchanged pleasantries before a picture was taken and then it was time for Liem to leave.

“You were always in awe of President Soeharto”, Liem said to the President “As his Aide-de-Camp, as Army Chief of Staff, as Commander of ABRI, as Vice President, that awe was always there.”

Try chuckled to himself.

“And now to sit in his chair and have his daughter be your political opponent”, said Liem “I can’t imagine how that must feel.”

“Guilty", replied Try quickly with a sad expression on his face "I feel guilty that she's my political opponent and that I have to fight against her. I feel guilty about it on account of who her father is."

Then Try’s face hardened.

“Alas, such is the circumstances that she and I has found ourselves in”, said Try “It's all too late stop us from a collision."

---
Everyone’s getting into an election mood.

Agus Wirahadikusumah is a much more tame figure than his OTL self. In OTL he was an advocate of what was then (Wahid presidency) considered radical reform such as no more TNI members sitting in the DPR. His handiwork will make an appearance, albeit posthumously. OTL he died of a heart attack and given his radical change reputation, people speculated about the nature of it. Here I had him died on the basis of this account which suggests that there was an oxygen tank around his house on account of ean earlier condition.

On a sidenote, the other prominent political death from this time, Baharuddin Lopa, has not occurred. OTL he died from a heart attack brought about exhaustion (though once again there’s speculation about the nature of his death because he was so incorruptible). ITTL Lopa is currently an Inspector General of Development, one of five officials in charge of supervising whether or not Government programs are implemented correctly.

Anthony Salim’s support for Try ITTL is based on his OTL self lobbying for Try to be re-elected vice president in 1998 https://books.google.co.id/books?id=GnKZBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA398&dq=anthony+salim+retain+try+sutrisno&hl=id&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjJkOv6nqzuAhVMqksFHW8EAwIQ6AEwAHoECAYQAg#v=onepage&q=anthony salim retain try sutrisno&f=false

For comparison’s sake, OTL Try and OTL Tutut still maintain good relations with each other. To the point where Try acted as witness when Tutut’s youngest son got married in 2020 https://kumparan.com/kumparanhits/m...rnikahan-danny-rukmana-dan-raiyah-1sqMnSunjMb. Based on that, what I wanted to convey here is that it's very uncomfortable for him to have Tutut as his rival.

 

[Unknown]

Eleven more days in-story before the world changes...

Good update, BTW...

 

[Rajveer Naha]

I just finished reading this TL after a week of hectic reading. I can't appreciate enough that you have put so much research into this TL. I am sure that ITTL along with a more prosperous Indonesia, we will also see a more successful IPTN. Aircraft certification is really a long task, maybe getting the N-250 certified with a European regulator will be easier.
Is the acronym for the entire military ABRI or TNI?
Are there any plans to seperate the Police from ABRI? Dividing the police into a rural and an urban one may lead to an improvement in the quality of the police.
I am not clear about the status of Yogyakarta. Is the Sultan the governor? Is the special administrative region a way to continue the kingdom?

 

[GSD310]

Eleven more days in-story before the world changes...

Good update, BTW...

I get chills each time I write the date.

I just finished reading this TL after a week of hectic reading. I can't appreciate enough that you have put so much research into this TL. I am sure that ITTL along with a more prosperous Indonesia, we will also see a more successful IPTN. Aircraft certification is really a long task, maybe getting the N-250 certified with a European regulator will be easier.
Is the acronym for the entire military ABRI or TNI?
Are there any plans to seperate the Police from ABRI? Dividing the police into a rural and an urban one may lead to an improvement in the quality of the police.
I am not clear about the status of Yogyakarta. Is the Sultan the governor? Is the special administrative region a way to continue the kingdom?

Much thanks for your the time you've spent. Part of it is research, part of it is information floating around in my head that is finally of some use

ABRI is still acronym for the military and there are no plans (at least at the moment) to separate the Police from ABRI.

Yes. The Sultan is the Sultan as far the people of Yogyakarta is concerned but for the purposes of the Republic, the Sultan is the Governor of Yogyakarta. The Special Region status was given by Soekarno because 1)The Sultan wrote an open letter supporting the Proclamation of Independence within 48 hours of the Proclamation and 2)Yogyakarta served as the emergency capital from 1946-1949. I suppose it's a way to integrate the Kingdom into the Republic. There's a lot of other kings in Indonesia of course but the only that got specific recognition is Yogyakarta.

 

[GSD310]

1st September 2001:
Holding a luncheon at the Presidential Palace, President Try Sutrisno accompanied by State Minister of Youth and Sports Hajriyanto Thohari and Chairman of KONI IGK Manila hosted Indonesia’s SEA Games 2001 Contingent which will be departing for Kuala Lumpur that day. He wished them luck and called on them to make the nation proud.

2nd September 2001:
All of the members of the Pancasila Coalition came to Bogor Presidential Palace this Sunday morning. Chairman of DPR Harmoko, former Chairman of Golkar Wahono, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita, BJ Habibie, Chairman of NU Abdurrahman Wahid, Chairman of Muhammadiyah Amien Rais, Chairman of PKPI Basofi Sudirman, and Chairman of PPP Matori Abdul Djalil. After a lunch, they sat around a table with President Try Sutrisno who was accompanied by Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas and State Secretary Edi Sudrajat. The following were discussed:

*Basofi and Matori reported that the PKPI and PPP’s respective preparations to submit a list of DPR candidates to the KPU have reached its advanced stage. All agreed that there was no need to share the list of candidates to maintain confidentiality.

*On the 2002 Legislative Elections itself, there was an agreement that the PKPI and PPP should compete freely against each other. Wahono chimed that competing freely against each other does not mean campaigning and badmouthing one another. The President agreed and asked Basofi and Matori to sign an agreement to this effect with each other.

*Abdurrahman Wahid and Amien Rais said that as there are NU and Muhammadiyah members in both PKPI and PPP, they will direct followers to vote for one of the two parties as they see fit.

*The situation got tense when Harmoko asked two questions. First he asked whether or not the PKPI and PPP would still be in a coalition after the election. Matori said that it would because the PPP’s committed to supporting the President until the end of his term in March 2003. Harmoko then innocently suggested that the PKPI and PPP jointly nominate a chairman of the DPR/MPR for the next term of the DPR/MPR. Matori tensed at that, the mumbling that since the coaition’s support was for the President, it wouldn’t matter who the Chairman of the DPR/MPR would be next term. The situation only calmed down when Wahid said to let events play themselves out and saying that who the next Chairman of the DPR/MPR would be will be clearer after the 2002 Legislative Elections.

On that note the meeting ended. When all the coalition members fronted the media, Harmoko was once again the spokesman cheerfully saying that the Pancasila Coalition remained strong and united. In his office, with the television in the background, the President had his private meeting with Harsudiono.

“I think Harmoko just realized he’s not alone in his ambitions for the chairmanship of the DPR/MPR”, said Edi with a chuckle.

“And there’s still the candidates for the chairmanship from the PKPB and PNI”, began Harsudiono “Though somehow I think the chairwomen of the PKPB and PNI are interested in something greater than being Chairman of the DPR/MPR.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know”, said Try holding up a folder “In the mean time, you two should stick around. Basofi’s got some homework for me.”

“What’s that?” asked Edi.

“It’s the list of DPR candidates the PKPI wants to submit to the KPU”, said Try “I’m the party leader so I have to review it.”

3rd September 2001:
The Presidential Airplane touched down at Manado, North Sulawesi in the morning. After being welcomed by Governor of North Sulawesi EE Mangindaan, the President jumped in a car. Some 90 minutes later they arrived at Lahendong.

Here, accompanied by Minister of Mining and Energy Djiteng Marsudi and Minister of Transportation Soerjadi Soedirja, Minister of Religion Quraish Shihab, Edi Sudrajat, and Mangindaan the President inaugurated the following:

*Units 1 and 2 of the Lahendong Geothermal Electricity Generator
*The North Sulawesi Transmission Line and Sub-Station
*The Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado
*The Ekayana Buddhist Pagoda in Tomohon

In his speech, the President congratulated the people of North Sulawesi on their determination to “make their mark” on national development. After a short ceremony, the President toured the facilities shaking hands with the employees there and learning about how the electricity generator was to work.

From there, the President and his entourage headed for Bitung. The State Minister of Development of Eastern Indonesia and Special Economic Zones Jusuf Kalla acted as the tour guide here. Kalla explained that the two major infrastructure projects underway here are the Manado-Bitung Toll Road and the expansion of Bitung Harbour. It was quite late in the day when the President returned to Manado and that was where he spent the night.

4th September 2001:
Try and his entourage flew early in the morning and landed in Bengkulu, Bengkulu where they were welcomed by Governor of Bengkulu Afifuddin Thaib. Together the President toured the parts of Bengkulu which had been damaged by an earthquake which had occurred 15 months prior but which had been rehabilitated by the Government. Accompanied by Minister of Social Affairs Meutia Hatta, State Minister of Urban Development Giri Suseno and Head of BNPB Yusman Yutam, the President toured houses and schools which were previously torn down but which had been reconstructed by the government. Giri Suseno reported that the opportunity for rehabilitation has been used to build new footpaths in Bengkulu.

There were faint “Mega! Mega!” chants from people that officials successfully prevented from getting close to the President though the President himself was more struck by how familiar Meutia was with the locals, some of whom she was referring to by name. When the President talked to locals they all said that all was thanks to Meutia’s hard work. The President experienced déjà vu because this was exactly the reaction to Meutia last year when he visited Bengkulu.

Walking beside the President, Thaib said that people in Bengkulu were most touched that Meutia spent some months living in Bengkulu in a budget hotel and that even when things were already under control, Meutia would still visit Bengkulu and Enggano Island when her ministerial duties took her to Sumatra. Yutam said that Meutia was a respected leader by Government Departments and Agencies working on the disaster and its aftermath.

Making some remarks, the President said that the Government had successfully handled the reconstruction effort in Bengkulu and that this “was all due to the leadership provided by the Minister of Social Affairs Meutia Hatta”. A loud cheer greeted the mention of her name both from officials and the public alike.

Filled with overwhelming endorsements for Meutia, the President returned to Jakarta.

5th September 2001:
At a lunch hosted by Chairman of the Indonesian Wood Panel Association (APKINDO) Bob Hasan, Chairwoman of PKPB Tutut Soeharto spoke out about the plight of forest concession holders. Tutut said that forest concession holders produce exports that add to the nation’s foreign currency but are treated shabbily by the government. She made mention that 13 forest concessions covering 1.36 million hectares expired in March 2000 but the extension process has stalled. Tutut asks whether this was how the government intends to provide good service to domestic investors.

The President and Chief of BAKIN Ari Sudewo had a meeting. The latter briefed the President that there is little to no intelligence chatter inside the country as far as possible threats to Indonesia were concerned but that whatever chatter there was pointed once again to something about to occur overseas probably involving airplanes. Try said that he’ll get the Department of Transportation to draw something up about airline security but other than he’s not sure what he could do.

“It’s not that I’m not taking it seriously”, said Try “It’s just that I can’t imagine this flying under the White House’s radar.”

6th September 2001:
ABRI Headquarters issued a statement saying that Commander of ABRI Wiranto had received approval from the President for a command shuffle brought about by Agus Wirahadikusumah’s death. The shuffle included the following highlights:

*Lt. Gen. Djamari Chaniago is appointed to the ABRI Chief of Socio-Political Affairs’ Staff position left vacant by Agus Wirahadikusumah.

*Lt. Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, currently Inspector General of ABRI, is appointed Deputy Army Chief of Staff.

*Maj. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu is promoted from ABRI Assistant of Planning to Inspector General of ABRI position left by Endriartono. He is promoted to lieutenant general. Maj. Gen. Romulo Simbolon, previously Assistant of Socio-Political Affairs succeeds him.

*Brig. Gen. Iwan Sulandjana, currently second-in-command at the East Java Regional Military Command is appointed Commander of the West Java Regional Military Command and promoted to major general. He is a classmate of Commander of Kostrad TB Hasanuddin.

*From a political standpoint, Wiranto strengthens his position by having a close ally (Djamari) appointed to the ABRI Chief of Socio-Political Affairs’ Staff position and another associate (Romulo Simbolon) in the Assistant of Planning’s position.

*ABRI Chief of General Staff Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono remains unaffected but there is agreement within his circle that his 1973 Classmates fared badly. Placed in staff positions in ABRI Headquarters and/or dead-end assignments, there is a sense that “the decks are being cleared for those who will come after us”.

*The Class of 1974 fared the best. The regional military commands of West Java, Central Java, and East Java along with Kostrad and Kopassus now belong to this class. Staff positions in the Army Headquarters are now largely manned by the Class of 1974. This is in part to strengthen the hands of Ryamizard Ryacudu and TB Hasanuddin, who are seen to be the President’s favorites, but also to counter the Prabowo Subianto’s lingering influence, Prabowo being a member of the Class of 1974.

*The pairing of Luhut Panjaitan and Endriartono Sutarto as Army Chief of Staff and Deputy Army Chief of Staff also means the top two positions in the Army are held by those hostile to Prabowo.

*The promotion of Ryamizard Ryacudu to lieutenant general officially places the President’s son-in-law as a contender for the Army Chief of Staff’s position when Luhut hits retirement age. Luhut has been Army Chief of Staff since August 2000 and will hit retirement age in September 2002.

7th September 2001:
The President had a meeting with Minister of Public Works Rachmat Witoelar, Meutia Hatta and Junior Minister of Housing Bobby Suhardiman. The President approved of an MoU signed by the three ministers mandating that apartment buildings, shopping centers, and office buildings have facilities to make it accessible to less mobile visitors such as the elderly and the handicapped (wheelchair ramps, toilets for the wheelchair). Bobby reported that newer buildings will have these facilities available but that older buildings will be given time to transition with the new policy.

After the three ministers made the announcement of their meeting, Meutia was asked by Edi Sudrajat to come back to the President’s office because he would like to meet privately. The President praised Meutia about what great work she was doing at Bengkulu before asking her if she would like to run for a DPR seat in Bengkulu before the election. Meutia smiled when Try made this offer.

“Mr. President, I think you want to deploy me against Mbak Mega”, said Meutia making Try smirk “I think I’ve visited Bengkulu enough to know that Mbak Mega PNI is popular there. Must be the fact that Mrs. Fatmawati is from there.”

Try said that he just wanted the PKPI to have a better chance of winning in Bengkulu. Meutia says that she’s willing to be placed wherever duty calls but asks whether it was better for the Government if she were to remain minister.

“It would be good for the Government for the next 18 months but now we need to start laying the foundations for the next 5 years”, said Try “That starts with how well the PKPI does in the 2002 Elections.”

Meutia nodded her head and thought about it carefully.

“I will accept, Mr. President but only on one condition”, she began “President Soeharto made in a habit to have his ministers registered as DPR candidates so they could campaign and attract votes for Golkar but then when Golkar does well, these ministers remained in their positions instead of taking up their DPR seats. I would like to ask your permission that if all turned out well that I would be allowed to take up my seat in the DPR.”

“Done”, said Try.

10th September 2001:
In a morning press conference at the PKPI’s National Headquarters, Basofi Sudirman and Secretary of PKPI Joyokusumo said that the President, in his capacity as party leader, has given approval to the PKPI’s list of DPR candidates to be submitted to the KPU. Basofi said that they will hand the list of candidates on the 15th September along with the other parties.

Elsewhere, at the Presidential Palace, President Try welcomed the arrival of General Secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party (VCP) Nong Duc Manh. As per the President’s instructions, although “merely” a party leader, he was given a welcome equal to that of a head of state. Manh indeed came with a small delegation comprising of only staffers though being party leader in a one-party state made him the most powerful man in Vietnam. Try invited just Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita to sit in the meetings to keep his delegation small.

When they began their talks, Try and Manh immediately agreed on the big issues. Manh said that China’s attempt to intervene with the VCP National Congress is a sign that China has “designs” on the Southeast Asian region. He told Try that even though Vietnam and China had a common ideology, Vietnam always suspected China’s intentions towards it. Try agreed and said that not only Vietnam, but the rest of Southeast Asia should be free of Chinese and other political influence by “non-ASEAN powers”. Try explained his concept of ASEAN member nations acting collectively in foreign affairs so as to maintain an independent position but that this is contingent on ASEAN member nations not being influenced by “non-ASEAN powers”. Manh agreed that if ASEAN members came under the influence of “non-ASEAN powers” that this was the same as giving them a veto on ASEAN’s agenda.

Moving on to another topic, Manh said that the Russians have a 25-year lease on Cam Ranh Naval Base which is scheduled to run out in 2004. It was the desire of Vietnam that the lease not be continued, argued Manh, so that it can maintain an independent position on foreign affairs without Russian presence within its borders. Try supported this and saying that other ASEAN nations should support Vietnam’s position, said that Vietnam should bring up the matter at the next ASEAN Summit.

At their press conference, the two nations were effusive of one another. Try congratulated Manh on his election as general secretary calling it a victory against “those trying to intervene in the internal affairs of a nation”. Manh was equally effusive saying that Indonesia was a nation that has the strength to be decisive in the region.

11th September 2001:
Nong Duc Manh held talks first with Vice President JB Sumarlin and then with Chairman of DPR Harmoko. Manh, who was formerly Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly, was enthusiastic to meet Harmoko again.

At their joint press conference, Harmoko dealt with questions about rumors that he will be running for re-election to the DPR in Central Java. Harmoko said he would not pre-empt the party only that he wanted to bring victory to the PKPI at the next elections.

In mid-afternoon, Manh paid his respects the tombs of the Seven Revolutionary Heroes who were murdered during the 30th September Movement Coup Attempt at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery. Accompanied by Wiranto, Manh said delivered a speech saying Vietnam and Indonesia’s relationship transcended ideology.

That night the President and First Lady Tuti Setiawati hosted a private dinner for Manh and Mrs. Manh at the Presidential Palace.

After dinner, the First Lady gave a tour around the Presidential Palace to Mrs. Manh. The President, Manh, and their interpreters walked further behind and continued their discussion while the ladies chatted about the palace. Manh told Try that he thought they have “broad agreement” on the strategic issues. They both agreed that further visits should be exchanged to “hammer out the details” with Manh officially inviting Try to visit Vietnam.

It was around 8.30 PM when Manh and Mrs. Manh departed back to their hotel, Try saying that he would call on them at the hotel in the morning to have breakfast together before Manh departed back to Hanoi.

Back at his office, the President met with Ginandjar, State Minister of National Security Soerjadi, and Edi to review the visit. Soerjadi said Manh hit all the right notes and that there’s enough common agreement between Indonesia and Vietnam on the big issues to say that this was a success as an initial visit though obviously there was still much to build upon if Indonesia wanted a relationship on the level of Thailand and the Philippines.

Try was telling Edi to identify areas where there could still be closer cooperation between the two nations when Ginandjar excused himself to take a call on his phone. Edi was saying defense and economics would be a good place to start when Ginandjar stepped back in looking like he’s struggling to process what he just heard.

“Everything okay?” asked Try.

“That was Ambassador Nana” Ginandjar said referring to Ambassador to the United States Nana Sutresna “He’s saying that an airplane just crashed into the World Trade Center in New York.”

“What?!When?” asked Edi.

“Nearly 15 minutes ago”, said Ginandjar.

Try also struggled to process it as Ginandjar stepped outside again. He struggled because there is a possibility that this was…it can’t be…

The television in the room was switched on and changed to CNN and there were gasps in the room. Black smoke rose out of one of the World Trade Center towers which looked like something had crashed into it.

Around Try things were moving. Soerjadi’s phone also rang and he left the room to take it. Then Edi’s phone rang. The State Secretary answered it and handed it to Try.

“The Chief of BAKIN for you, Mr. President”, said Edi.

Try had hoped it was the Minister of Transportation wanting to report of a freak aviation accident in New York. But this was the Chief of BAKIN and that could only mean one thing.

“Don’t tell me those are the guys taking the flying lessons ”, began Try.

“We don’t know who exactly flew that aircraft, how many they’ve hijacked, and what else they’re going to do, Mr. President”, said Ari “But this is it, this is them.”

“I see”, said Try “Come here as quickly as you can.”

“I’m already on my way there, Mr. President”, said Ari.

Try handed the phone to Edi. He massaged his forehead and then began giving instructions.

“I want you to summon the Vice President, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of Defense and Security, the Minister of…” said Try but then he trailed off when he saw what was on the television screen “Wait a minute…that’s…my God, that airplane just hit the other tower!”

---
So Try is in the midst of doing something that Soeharto used to do with Golkar in the run-up to an election, namely review the list of candidates and give his approval/disapproval when and as necessary.

The number of 1.36 million hectares of forest concessions with extension process which has stalled is based on https://jawawa.id/newsitem/government-revokes-vast-forest-concessions-1447893297

I forgot where I read it but the reason why communist leaders always double on a party and government position (Ie. Stalin was Premier of the USSR at one stage) is so that they can travel overseas and receive a welcome as a state official instead of merely being a party official. This is what I wanted to convey when I said that Try wanted Manh to be given a welcome equal to that of a Head of State.

And yes, we’re finally at that world changing event, folks.

 

[Rajveer Naha]

And yes, we’re finally at that world changing event, folks.

The Event isn't over yet,the other two planes are still out there. Who says that the minor butterflies won't result in the fourth place finding it's mark.

“I want you to summon the Vice President, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of Defense and Security, the Minister of…” said Try but then he trailed off when he saw what was on the television screen “Wait a minute…that’s…my God, that airplane just hit the other tower!

I imagine everyone in the room sitting with a grim face but the chief of BAKIN trying hard to not make a smug face and the expression in his eyes telling "Hey! I warned you guys".

 

[Unknown]

Oh, no; it's as bad as I feared...

The Event isn't over yet,the other two planes are still out there. Who says that the minor butterflies won't result in the fourth place finding it's mark.

Who says there are just four planes--with more funding, there might be more, @Rajveer Naha...

On a side note, it does make sense that they would watch CNN...

 

[Pio2013]

Just finished the entire history. Im really enjoying the way you present it. Besides, im learning about modern Indonesia history. So im subbed!!

I have some questions:

- You mentioned Brazil and Argentina as source of oil investment, cattle and soy. Is it right to say the ASEAN block will push to influence those nations in order to secure the market?

- Are you thinking about the other south american nations, more specifically the pacific? First I think is Chile. You mentioned Colombia sharing the Transmilenio structure.

I wanted to ask some other things but i feel forcing you some TL changes, so thats it for now.

Thanks and keep up the great work!

 

[GSD310]

Just finished the entire history. Im really enjoying the way you present it. Besides, im learning about modern Indonesia history. So im subbed!!

I have some questions:

- You mentioned Brazil and Argentina as source of oil investment, cattle and soy. Is it right to say the ASEAN block will push to influence those nations in order to secure the market?

- Are you thinking about the other south american nations, more specifically the pacific? First I think is Chile. You mentioned Colombia sharing the Transmilenio structure.

I wanted to ask some other things but i feel forcing you some TL changes, so thats it for now.

Thanks and keep up the great work!

-I wouldn’t say that ASEAN as a bloc does not have any open intentions towards South America. Right now only Indonesia is interested in Brazil for partnership to build an oil refinery and Argentina to import cattle and soy.

-So far, beyond Brazil and Argentina, I haven’t been able to see what effect the butterflies would have in South America. ITTL Brazil and Argentina has felt butterflies because ITTL Indonesia has been able to avoid strict implementation of IMF conditions and then you’ve got others like Russia, Brazil and Argentina trying to do the same thing.

Colombia and the Transmilenio cooperating with Indonesia is actually as in OTL but unlike in OTL, it will occur in Surabaya rather than in Jakarta.

I don’t know about Chile. Venezuela I vaguely have as supporting Russia and China in challenging the United States’ authority and wanting a more multipolar world etc. Probably will see Suriname considering the Javanese population that’s there.

 

[Pio2013]

Well most of SA exports cattle and soy, but not on Brazil and Argentina levels. Maybe others would like to be part of this deal (Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia).

I said Chile because OTL its more open to foreign investment than their neighbours. Besides, its a world key player on copper. But as you said, there were lots of butterflies so... i will wait to see how it develops.

 

[GSD310]

11th September 2001:
It was later said that State Secretary Edi Sudrajat proved his worth in his position that night. He got President Try to keep the focus on Indonesia and let “McCain focus on what’s going on over there”. Turning off the television in the President’s office, Edi got the President to think about what steps to take and to get him to begin issuing instructions. Amazingly, Edi told the President to keep the TV off and take a power nap because “you’ll be here all night”.

The President was awoken by his aide-de-camp Col. Budiman who said that the officials are ready. Budiman told the President that he slept for 20 minutes but in that 20 minutes things were still happening. As he stepped into the meeting room, the President briefly saw that a third hijacked airplane had just crashed into Sears Tower in Chicago, Illinois.

Around the room were Vice President JB Sumarlin, Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Minister of Defense and Security Wismoyo Arismunandar, Minister of Legal Affairs Marzuki Darusman, Minister of Information, Post, and Telecommunications Oka Mahendra, Minister of Transportation Soerjadi Soedirja, Minister of Religion Quraish Shihab, State Minister of Security Soerjadi, State Secretary Edi Sudrajat, Cabinet Secretary Hayono Isman, and Attorney General Soedjono C. Atmonegoro. Looking at the President with a look that said he hated the fact that he got his analysis right was Chief of BAKIN Ari Sudewo.

The men in uniform were Commander of ABRI Wiranto, Army Chief of Staff Luhut Panjaitan, Navy Chief of Staff Indroko Sastrowiryono, Air Force Chief of Staff Ali Munsiri Rappe, Chief of Police Yun Mulyana and Chief of ABRI Intelligence Agency Ian Santoso Perdanakusuma.

The first to speak was Ari Sudewo. He gave a briefing to all in the room about who Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda were. Try listened carefully. He had only known of the man and the organization because intelligence briefings on Jemaah Islamiyah touched on them but it was only then that he got a full-fledged briefing.

Then Wiranto spoke saying that he’s ordered ABRI on increased general alertness. Kostrad and the Regional Jakarta Military Command will be beefing up security in major cities. Try approved but then added that security should be increased in airports, ports, and train stations across the country. Turning to Soerjadi Soedirja, Try said in the meantime standard operating procedures for those embarking on flights, ships, and trains, what can or can’t be brought on board, should be reviewed for potential security gaps.

On the information front, Oka Mahendra reported on how the attacks are being covered on television and radio, the President ordered Oka Mahendra to enact a ruling saying that all free-to-air live coverage of the terrorist attacks in New York must be relayed from TVRI’s broadcast. TVRI’s broadcast of the attack itself must maintain a neutral tone that avoids sensationalizing or cause interpretations and speculation that could incite emotions. Oka Mahendra added that the newspapers will need to adopt a similar tone too and Try immediately gave his approval. After getting his instructions, Oka Mahendra immediately left the meeting room.

Try’s final instructions were to Sumarlin, Ginandjar, Quraish, Soerjadi, and Edi which to were to gauge how the world is reacting to this and what’s the potential fall-out for Indonesia, politically, economically, and socially. He also asked for a statement to be made that he can read to the nation.

12th September 2001:
President Try made his statement after 1 AM. By this time President of the United States John McCain, attending a small business event in California to promote his tax cuts, had issued quick statement saying that the United States was under attack before flying back to Washington DC.

Sounding somber, the President announced that there had been terrorist attacks on the two World Trade Center towers in New York City (both of which had collapsed by now), the Sears tower in Chicago, Illinois (which had also collapsed) and the Pentagon in Washington DC. There had also been an aircraft which crashed over Pennsylvania.

He called on the Indonesian people to give their prayers for the victims and condemnation for the perpretrators in “the strongest terms”. Then Try paused and feeling that what was on paper did not go far enough to his liking, went off-script.

“…But let it be said that it is my intention that the Government’s words of condemnations are matched by deeds. Because if we condemn with our words only and not with our deeds, our condemnation will be baseless.”

The President ended his statement by holding up his hands and reciting the Al-Fatiha.

After General Secretary of the VCP Nong Duc Manh made a courtesy call at 3 AM to say that he was going back to Vietnam earlier than expected, the President got some rest.

That morning, Indonesia, much as the rest of the world began processing what was becoming known as 9/11. Oka Mahendra’s intervention had been successful and the media adopted a careful approach when reporting the event; largely sticking to facts and calling for experts and opinion piece writers to adopt caution when asserting their opinion. Condemnations from all walks of society, including by Chairwoman of PKPB Tutut Soeharto and Chairwoman of the PNI Megawati Soekarnoputri, filled pages and airtime.

Not all were keen to go along with this mood. At North Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok area, authorities took down banners with the writing “What About Saying The Al-Fatiha For Victims Of The Tanjung Priok Massacre?” 12th Today being the anniversary of the Tanjung Priok Incident and the commander in charge of the Tanjung Priok Incident now residing. Commander of the Jakarta Regional Military Command Prijanto increased surveillance in this area.

The President began the day watching McCain address the United States from the Oval Office on television, seeing coverage of the terrorist attacks on the nation’s newspapers, and meeting with Ginandjar. Ginandjar reported that the word was that the United States had already identified Afghanistan’s Taliban regime as “harboring” Osama Bin Laden and are preparing for the use of military force there.

After lunch, the President had a three-way conference call with Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra (Accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Surakiart Sathirathai) and President of Philippines Joseph Estrada (Accompanied by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Domingo Siazon). They first discussed Manh’s visit to Jakarta. Thaksin and Estrada agreed that Vietnam would be a great addition to the bloc. Thaksin said the bloc could easily be cast as pro-United States with the presence of Thailand and the Philippines. Then they discussed the topic of the moment, exchanging information about the security measures that they were taking as well as what the United States were planning to do.

“President Try, I think eventually President McCain will to turn to you for help for what he’s about to do”, said Estrada.

“I’m not sure about that, Mr. President”, said Try “Our relationship with the US isn’t the worst but it’s not the best either, they see us as a nuisance for speaking against the IMF imposing uniform solution on countries.”

Estrada smiled and permitted Siazon to speak. Siazon said that the State Department’s been giving feelers and “unofficial communication” to the Filipino Department of Foreign Affairs essentially asking what would Indonesia’s likely stance be if the United States invaded Afghanistan. Try asked Estrada what was the Filipino Government’s response to that.

“I said that the Philippines wouldn’t have a clue what the Indonesian stance on a US invasion of Afghanistan would be”, replied Estrada “Only that if the US wants to engage in what it was about to do, it damn well better have Indonesia’s support or at least benevolent neutrality. I told them I felt more secure going after Islamic separatists and insurgents in my country with Indonesia’s support because nobody can accuse me of being anti-Islam when the world’s largest Muslim population is on my side.”

13th September 2001:
The President made a surprise appearance at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. Accompanied by Soerjadi Soedirja, Edi Sudrajat, Wiranto, and Deputy Commander of ABRI Chappy Hakim, the President inspected the increased security at the airport; Chappy Hakim having been placed in charge of liasing between ABRI and the Department of Transportation on transport security. Speaking to a group of airport officials, the President said that airports, ports, and railway stations now have to make sure that people can’t bring anything dangerous on board an aircraft, ships, and trains.

Arriving back at the Presidential Palace, the President took a phone call from Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Vajpayee said that he had just finished lobbying the White House not to pressure President/Chief Executive of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf to take the United States’ side against Afghanistan because India has credible intelligence that Musharraf runs of the risk of being overthrown by the Pakistani Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence. Vajpayee said he did not want to take the risk of Musharraf being replaced by someone less predictable and friendly, bearing in mind the advice Try gave him in June.

To Try’s relief, Vajpayee said that the United States had backed down and are thinking of other options. But he was surprised when Vajpayee said that Try’s name “came up a lot in discussions”. Try asked what Vajpayee meant by that.

“Musharraf fancies himself a modernizer who hails from the military, he watched your speech, wanted to emulate it, and had the White House made an official approach, he would’ve accepted it but that would also have been the end of his rule”, said Vajpayee “Those Pakistani Army officers, they fell behind Musharraf in 1999 on account of his stance towards India. But do you know, Mr. President, what they worry about when it comes to Musharraf?”

“What do they say, Mr. Prime Minister?” asked Try, remembering the cold reception from the Pakistani officer corps when he visited Pakistan just a few months prior in June.

“They say they don’t want Musharraf to be another “Try””, said Vajpayee “They want to keep their diplomatic relationship with the Taliban. They want nothing similar to the stance that you have taken towards extremists in your country. ”

Much as Estrada, Vajpayee said that the United States will turn to Indonesia for assistance.

“We can’t help them much”, said Try “They want Pakistan on board because it’s right next door to Afghanistan. What can we do to help?”

“McCain wants to invade Afghanistan and turn the country inside out to find Bin Laden”, said Vajpayee “McCain already has UK's Blair, Canada's Martin on board; he's also invoked NATO too. The United States probably has just cause in this but there’s going to be people who will want to characterize what the United States is doing as anti-Islamic and…”

“And it would be good for them for to have the nation with the largest Islamic population on their side?” asked Try.

“Ah so you already understand the situation”, said Vajpayee “And anyway, someone’s already making that argument in the Administration. Wolfowitz…he used to be Ambassador in Indonesia, right? Wolfowitz is not interested in Pakistan being on their side, he’s interested in Indonesia.”

14th September 2001:
Friday prayer saw the President praying at Istiqlal Mosque. Sitting in the front row with Chairman of DPR Harmoko, Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama Abdurrahman Wahid, Chairman of Muhammadiyah Amien Rais, Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Ali Yafie, and Chairman of ICMI Nurcholish Madjid.

Across the street at Jakarta’s Cathedral, Archbishop of Jakarta Julius Darmaatmadja led a requiem mass for the souls of the 9/11 victims. Sitting in the front row at mass was JB Sumarlin.

Back at the Presidential Palace, the President received a briefing on the latest international developments from Ginandjar. Ginandjar said that initial sympathy has shifted to a reluctance to give unqualified support for the United States’ intention to invade Afghanistan. President of Russia Yevgeny Primakov and President of China Jiang Zemin, while still expressing strong words of sympathies for the attack were reluctant to let the United States anywhere near their airspaces.

15th September 2001:
The national spotlight shone once again on domestic issues as one-by-one all four political parties visited the KPU Building to submit their lists of DPR candidates. To avoid scenes during the registration of the political parties which saw projectiles thrown at Tutut Soeharto and Harmoko from opposing masses, only the chairmen and secretaries of the political parties are permitted to register with the KPU.

The first to arrive were Tutut Soeharto and Secretary of the PKPB ZA Maulani. Emerging out of the KPU building, Tutut said that the PKPB has plenty of good candidates ready to contest the election. On the measures the Government has taken thus far, Tutut says that she agrees in principle but cautions that the Government’s actions may cause distress among the majority faith in Indonesia.

The second to arrive were Chairman of PKPI Basofi Sudirman and Secretary of PKPI Joyokusumo. After registering the DPR candidate, Basofi said that the PKPI stood by the Government’s policies to strengthen security and stated that the PKPI’s goals in the election is to ensure that as many of its members are elected to the DPR so that they can support the re-election of President Try Sutrisno.

The third to arrive were Chairman of PPP Matori Abdul Djalil and Secretary of PPP Bachtiar Chamsyah. They were reluctant to answer much questions and denied that the PPP is divided. Matori said of all the political parties, the PPP is the only one that has survived the previous political party system. He said that whatever “internal dynamics”, the one thing keeping the PPP together is that with Golkar gone, this is the PPP’s best chance to gain a good result.

Finally, there were Megawati Soekarnoputri and Secretary of the PNI Sutjipto. When Megawati came out she only said that whatever stance the President took on terrorism it will be based on Indonesia’s national interest not the United States’.

16th September 2001:
It was a Sunday morning that was disrupted by work. On three different occasions during the day, Ginandjar Kartasasmita accompanied by the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Director General of Politics Hasan Wirayuda reported to the President bringing cables from the United States State Department. Each time, the President accompanied by Edi Sudrajat and Soerjadi, sat down to formulate the response to such questions.

The first State Department Cable asked what would be the Indonesian Government’s stance if the United States were to invade Afghanistan. The response of the Indonesian Government was that it would not get in the way but that it would not influence others to get in the way or support the United States.

The second cable welcomed Indonesia’s response and asked, “hypothetically”, if it would be possible for Indonesia to declare open support for the United States’ War on Terror and whether Indonesia was in a position to declare such support.

“Who’s sending the cables from their end?” asked Try when he read the second cable.

“Our understanding is that it’s Assistant Secretary of State Wolfowitz, Mr. President”, replied Ginandjar “We think it’s a diplomatic feeler but coming from as high a level as that, it would’ve had approval from the level of Secretary of State and above.”

While Try, Ginandjar, Edi, Soerjadi, and Hasan debated about the wording of Indonesia’s response, The US Embassy in Jakarta called Ginandjar to ask if he had received “the second message” from Washington yet. Ginandjar assured the US Embassy that it has been received and on the President’s desk.

“Well we are taking longer with this response than with the previous cable”, said Edi.

“We are, but them being pushy about it shows that this is very urgent for them”, said Ginandjar “They need help but they can’t pressure Pakistan, China and Russia are not being helpful, the Gulf States are cooperative in freezing terrorist bank accounts but don’t want to seem too enthusiastic about supporting military action. They shot themselves in the foot in that region by posturing about wanting to remove Saddam whether militarily or otherwise.”

They looked at Try who was thinking deeply.

“Our support will depend on what we will get for it”, said Try “Write that in the most diplomatic language possible.”

Not long thereafter the Indonesian Government sent a cable back. It said that “whether or not it is possible for Indonesia to declare open support or whether or not Indonesia was in a position to declare such support will depend on agreement by the two governments about certain issues that need addressing between the two nations.”

The reply was quick. The next cable asked whether the President of Indonesia would like to discuss these vital issues directly with the President of the United States “at the earliest possible opportunity”. Ginandjar immediately said that the President should accept the offer and come to the United States within the week. Edi frowned at that.

“We’ve established what we want, they’ve established what they want, let’s leave it at that”, said Edi “Let’s leave the flying around the world and rushing to be at Washington for someone like.”

“The State Secretary’s right”, said Try “I will end up meeting him at APEC in a month’s time in Shanghai. No need for me to rush.”

Ginandjar, Soerjadi, and Hasan left the room not long thereafter with a message to the US Government saying that the President would need to tend to the domestic situation for the moment and that they will eventually discuss what needs to be discussed at APEC.

“Why wouldn’t it be a good idea to fly to Washington as soon as we possibly can?” asked Try when Edi returned.

“It wouldn’t look good to the country if you seemed desperate to get over there and I can assure you Tutut and Megawati will only be too happy to point that out to the people, that’s first”, said Edi “Second, it wouldn’t look good for them if you seem desperate to get over there. They’re going to feel like they can buy your support. We can’t have that. They’re the ones that need our help not the other way around. They need us so they don’t look anti-Islamic to the rest of the world so let’s play hard to get just for a little bit, Mr. President.”

“And third?” asked Try, sensing that Edi’s not finished.

“You’re going to ask for some pretty big things from McCain if he wants our support, Mr. President”, said Edi “How are you going to look rushing over to Washington and then coming back empty?”

“How do you know what I’m going to ask for? I haven’t even said it”, said Try.

“I’m your State Secretary, I wouldn’t be doing a good job if I didn’t know what you’re thinking”, replied Edi “And right now I know you’re going to ask McCain to get Freeport to divest the shares it has in its Irian Jaya mines if he wants to get our support.”

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So Indonesia being more vigilant against radicals and extremists leads to Al Qaeda thinking twice about launching an attack through its associates in Indonesia which leads to diverting enough funding for another pilot to be trained, another set of heavies to be recruited, and for another target to be attacked on 11th September, in this instance the Sears Tower in Chicago.

If you refer to the around the world updates, McCain was initially flexing his muscles in Iraq’s direction as part of Rogue State Rollback. I would say there is less sympathy towards the US after 9/11 as a result of that.

In case you haven’t noticed, ITTL Musharraf has a man-crush on Try and the Pakistani officer corps doesn’t really like that. Please refer to Update 130 for Try’s visit to Pakistan.

The Secretary of State refers to the US Secretary of State which is equivalent to a minister of foreign affairs. The State Secretary refers to the Indonesian official whose responsibility is equivalent to that to the White House Chief of Staff.