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SCMP Reporter

More than three decades of largely undisputed rule came to a close in the few dark hours be fore dawn.

 Deep within his rambling family home in the central suburb of Menteng, President Suharto surrounded himself with his family and closest political allies to make his final decision, political sources said.

 Hours earlier, the reports from across the nation had been bleak. His long-time friend, party chairman and House Speaker Harmoko, had demanded he step down by today.

 Increasingly-rebellious students were camped on top of the House of Representatives, for years an institution that reflected Mr Suharto's grip on power.

 Their protests had continued through the night, oblivious to the unprecedented show of force Mr Suharto had used to shut down his capital during daylight.

 Tens of thousands had gathered in Surabaya, Yogyakarta and Bandung in the single biggest day of protest at his rule.

 At 8 pm on Wednesday, his Defence Minister and military commander General Wiranto met him privately to give him a rundown of the grim situation.

 'He told him exactly what was going on,' said military analyst Salim Said. 'But he did not force him or even tell him to go. Their relationship is like father and son. It was Suharto's decision and his alone.'  Other sources said General Wiranto - who had decided several weeks ago that Mr Suharto's time was up - was more forceful.

 Political aides gave him reports that 14 of his economic cabinet ministers had decided to resign. Foreign diplomats carried in a dispatch from US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. She had said he could seize 'an opportunity for an historic act of statesmanship' if he went.

 Whether he paid her much mind may never be known but by 5 am - after a further meeting with General Wiranto - the decision was made. Four hours later, he would swear in vice-president Bacharuddin Habibie as his replacement.

 Mr Habibie had laid his cards on the table the night before, political sources said. Incensed that Mr Suharto had implied in his national address on Tuesday that he was not competent to lead, Mr Habibie lost his temper.

 'I was humiliated by your comments,' one source quoted the new President as saying.

 'I was vice-president and elected just like you . . . please understand that if you step down I have the confidence to carry out the duty.' The source said Mr Suharto apologised.

 Within hours, General Wiranto, in full ceremonial dress, stepped past an exhausted Mr Suharto to tell the nation his forces had 'honourably accepted' his resignation. Former president Suharto turned and shuffled away.



Strongman's grip on nation failed in hours before dawn