For the assistance and support of the people while I led the nation and state of Indonesia, I express my thanks and I seek forgiveness if there was a… - Suharto

The fight for freedom has culminated in the proclamation of our independence, but our struggle had still to be continued years after. Up to the present moment, the Indonesian people have still to endure the consequences of their sacrifice in the effort to achieve their territorial integrity. One of them is the people's plight in the economic field. We are therefore determined to defend whatever we have achieved painfully.

In this shrinking world we do not want to isolate ourselves. Proposals, suggestions and criticisms expressed in an atmosphere of friendship will be respected. Comments and criticisms expressed only to exaggerate our shortcomings in our national development which tend to interfere in our domestic affairs, is another matter.

To the Indonesian people, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity are very important principles; they do not only constitute our rights and honour, but they also serve as one of the important instruments for nation building in its broadest sense.