BJ Habibie, Intense Visits During Eid (3)

President BJ Habibie, to date, holds the record as the President of the Republic of Indonesia with the shortest term in office, lasting only a few months, from May 21, 1998, to October 20, 1999. Nevertheless, his administration during the reform era also encompassed the moment of the Lebaran celebration. What was the atmosphere like?

Referring to the news archives of Kompas, on the first day of Eid, January 19, 1999, President BJ Habibie and Mrs. Ainun Habibie visited the residence of General (ret.) Abdul Haris Nasution, Jalan Teuku Umar Number 43, Jakarta. The friendly and warm meeting between President Habibie and AH Nasution who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Yohana Nasution lasted about 30 minutes.

"I speak as a father to his child," said AH Nasution, who also expressed his joy over the meeting with President BJ Habibie during the Eid al-Fitr occasion.

According to Nasution, during the meeting with President BJ Habibie, political issues were not discussed. However, at that time, Nasution stated that the public should be aware that BJ Habibie's administration had programs in place. One of them was the general election scheduled for June 1999 to elect members of the House of Representatives.

We agree to put national interests above group or personal interests.

Previously, according to Antara, President BJ Habibie also visited a number of figures. The President visited the home of former Pertamina President Director Major General TNI (ret.) Ibnu Sutowo. Next, he visited the home of former Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security General TNI (ret.) Surono, former Vice President Umar Wirahadikusumah and Sudharmono, and his relative, namely Col. (CPM-ret.) Roesli.

On the second day of Eid, January 20, 1999, President BJ Habibie visited his mother-in-law, S Moh Besari, at Jalan Ranggamalela 21, Bandung, West Java Province. The President was accompanied by Mrs. Dr. Hasri Ainun Besari and their two children, Ilham Akbar Habibie and Thareq Kemal Habibie. The visit was private, not official, and therefore closed to the press.

Two days earlier, on Monday (18/1/1999) evening, President BJ Habibie gave a speech at the Takbir Night at the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta.

"We, as a nation, are currently experiencing a state of national concern. The crisis we are striving to resolve is truly a calamity and a test that is not easy for the Indonesian people," said Habibie.

In connection with this matter, on the day of Eid al-Fitr 1419 Hijri, the Head of State called on all parties to remain patient in facing calamities. Islamic teachings emphasize that patience is not about being passive or resigned. Patience is an attitude of steadfastness or consistency in the path of Allah, optimism, and having a positive outlook on Allah's will.

President Habibie at that time also invited all parties to increase self-control efforts from actions that harm society, are against the law, and shake the foundations of national unity and integrity. Citizens were invited to face all problems clearly and rationally, without bringing emotions or being driven by personal and group interests.

"We agree to put the interests of the nation above group or personal interests," said President Habibie.

Although it was not easy, Habibie expressed his belief that with the help of Allah SWT, the Indonesian nation could emerge from its state of concern and continue the steps of reform towards a civil society.

Next, on Friday (22/1/1999), at the State Palace, President BJ Habibie visited employees of the State Secretariat or Setneg. In addition, in the context of Lebaran, the Head of State also visited journalists from the Setneg Group (WKS).

The gathering with the President on Lebaran 1999 was a routine event because it was also held in previous years. What was different was that this gathering was held in President Habibie's office.

In the room equipped with computers and various work equipment, President Habibie greeted journalists who daily cover the president's activities. The Head of State also shook hands with dozens of Setneg employees, especially those on duty at the Merdeka Palace and the State Palace.

President BJ Habibie is known as a statesman. This was also immortalized in the editorial of Kompas, Thursday (10/21/1999), which chose the title "President Habibie Resigns Honorably".

It was written in the opening paragraphs of the editorial when President BJ Habibie withdrew from the presidential candidacy. This was decided by Habibie after his accountability was rejected by the MPR by a narrow margin, namely 355 rejects, 322 accepts.

The steps taken by the third President of the Republic of Indonesia, wrote Kompas, were not only to step down gracefully and honorably. The steps positioned him as a statesman who left a historical legacy.

Although his reign was short, President Habibie has made a mark of performance and dedication to the country. History records his leadership in this country.

"Alhamdulillah, I was able to get through all of it in 17 months of my government. Short, indeed. But all of that for me and my family is enough and sufficient," said President Habibie in his book entitled "Habibie & Ainun", published by PT THC Mandiri.