Richard Borsuk and Puspa Madani, Jakarta – Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid came under strong criticism in an historic parliamentary session Thursday, but he signaled that he has no plans to change his controversial policies on Aceh and other issues – and no intention of cutting back on his provocative statements.

Mr. Wahid, who become president four weeks ago, accepted an unprecedented summons by the 500-seat Parliament to explain his endorsement of a referendum in resource-rich Aceh, where there is strong support for breaking away from Indonesia, and his decision to abolish two government ministries.

His appearance illustrated a stark difference in personal and governing styles with former President Suharto. While the session might boost confidence that Indonesia is becoming increasingly democratic, political analysts say the president's handling of it may increase growing concerns that his informal, off-handed style of speaking could make it harder for him to lead the government and his coalition cabinet.

Open floor

During his 32-year rule, Mr. Suharto addressed Parliament only to present the annual budget and national day speeches, occasions on which representatives never spoke. But on Thursday, after the nearly blind Mr. Wahid spoke for 15 minutes defending his policies, the floor was opened for more than an hour for comments. When the president was later given a chance to reply, he was occasionally interrupted by representatives.

Mr. Wahid angered some members by likening Parliament to a "kindergarten." One member recognized to speak by Parliament's speaker after yelling "interrupsi" said it was a "very serious matter" for the president to describe the assembly this way.

While leaving the building after the session, Mr. Wahid said, "As we are in the process of learning about democracy, that's what we have." He added that some of his words have been "misunderstood by the parliament members. Why should they be bothered about it? They shouldn't get angry."

The president also caused a stir during the session when he said he wants his cabinet ministers to function differently from their predecessors. He made a reference to Malaysia, saying that finding ministers there "is very difficult because they are playing golf." Benyamin Nalu, one of 38 members appointed to Parliament to represent Indonesia's military, asked the president to withdraw this remark, saying, "Although the president said this is in a relaxed manner, or was joking, it can hurt another nation's feelings." Mr. Wahid thanked the military for its feedback.

Differences of opinion

On Aceh, where the military strongly opposes a referendum that would give Aceh a choice of independence, the president reiterated his view that a referendum should be held, but didn't comment on how it should be worded. Mr. Wahid told Parliament that he welcomed its debate on the future of Aceh. "Differences in opinion will make Indonesia great in the future," he said.

In Japan earlier this week – giving remarks that helped spark his summons to Parliament – Mr. Wahid said he thought a referendum could be held in Aceh within seven months. Aceh's governor, Syamsuddin Mahmud, said Wednesday after meeting Mr. Wahid that the president ruled out independence and wanted Acehnese to have a choice of the status quo or more autonomy, which activists in Aceh have rejected.

Much of the criticism of the president was over his announced closure of the ministries of information and social affairs, which together employ about 85,000 people nationwide. Hundreds of the affected government workers were in the gallery of Parliament and cheered loudly for members who called on Mr. Wahid to change his mind. But he stood by his decision, contending that the functions of the two ministries could be carried out by "society" rather than government.

Israel issue

Mr. Wahid was also criticized for his announcement within days of becoming president that trade relations would be established with Israel, which Indonesia – the world's most populous Muslim nation – doesn't recognize. Aisyah Amini of the Muslim-based United Development Party said the president "must consult with Parliament" before making "major decisions" such as this one. Mr. Wahid defended his decision, adding that "we have to see the realities" in international relations and commerce.

Many members of Parliament welcomed Mr. Wahid's informal approach to dealing with Parliament, traditionally just a rubber-stamp under Mr. Suharto. But others expressed regret and concern about his off-the-cuff comments. Afni Achmad, from the Reform Party, said that in the future the president "must reduce the habit of saying whatever he wants to say. He is a president now, not a chairman of an organization anymore." Mr. Wahid was formerly chairman of Nahdatul Ulama, Indonesia's largest Muslim body.

Slamet Effendi Jusuf of Golkar, the party of former presidents Suharto and B.J. Habibie, said that while Mr. Wahid and the members are in a "learning process" about democracy, "we have to avoid Parliament becoming merely an entertainment stage. It must become a stage able to make the Indonesian people mature in the political life."