Sukarno Now Lonely Man

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31032, 12 April 1966, Page 16

Sukarno Now Lonely Man

(N Z. Press Association—Copyright) DJAKARTA, April 11. Indonesia’s flamboyant President, Dr. Sukarno, is now a lonely man, increasingly isolated from the people who once referred to him as a neargod, the Associated Press reported today.

The man named president for life and now nearly 65 years old still has the magic in his voice, but there appears a hollow ring to his words, a rising note of shrillness as if from a father who suddenly knows his children no longer listen to him, said Associated Press correspondent, T. Jeff Williams. Dr. Sukarno, called the Bung (Brother) by young and old, still shouts, still commands, still recites his array of titles, but must know he is fighting for his political life.

A master at political infighting, Dr. Sukarno will not go down easily. He gave a display of the old fire on Thursday when he declared that Indonesia would never return to the United Nations until it is reorganised. SLAP AT MINISTER

It was a direct slap at the Foreign Minister, Mr Adam Malik, and the new, militarybacked Government

Mr Malik made it clear last. Monday that Indonesia was! returning to a more neutral foreign policy and would consider returning to the United Nations, from which Dr. Sukarno walked out last year. Six months after the abortive coup of October 1, Dr. Sukarno sits alone in the splendour of his palaces at Djakarta and the mountain town of Bogor. Only certain visitors are allowed to see him. His telephone calls are vetted. His speeches are no longer carried simultaneously to the public but are heard first by the army, then released later. DID NOT ATTEND

Significantly, the newlysworn inner cabinet, or pre-

sidium, held a meeting on Tuesday at the State Secretariat, instead of the palace, as is customary. • Dr. Sukarno did not attend.

A member of the presidium said afterwards that he had been summoned by Dr. Sukarno and asked “What went on in that meeting?” That the President had to ask what happened revealed his isolation. That a minister disclosed this palace gossip was heedless heresy.

Dr. Sukarno used to pass orders on everything from matters of State to collecting the garbage and filling potholes in the streets.

One of his enjoyments was a regular breakfast session, where he met Ministers and Ambassadors. Newsmen used to wait on the verandah of the palace for the Bung's schedule for the day. Now the party appears to be over.