Wahid expresses confidence amid political battle

Wahid said he has the support of the military, police and people

JAKARTA, Indonesia (CNN) -- Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid has been under fire for several months, staging a political battle with his nation's parliament while violence continues to break out across Indonesia.

On Thursday, Wahid announced plans to declare a state of emergency -- thus suspending parliament and derailing his impeachment -- if he and his political opponents couldn't reach an agreement by July 20. He talked with CNN's Maria Ressa about his political situation and his latest move.

RESSA: Do you think you will survive the special session of the People's Consultative Assembly in August? WAHID: Oh yes, I am confident of that … I compromise as much as possible, you see.

VIDEO CNN's interview with the embattled Indonesian president (July 12) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)   MORE STORIES Wahid acts against police chief   Wahid outlines state of emergency plans     EXTRA INFORMATION In-depth: Shadows over Indonesia

For example, the Assertive Committee of the People's Consultative Assembly declared that there should be a special session to ask for the responsibility of the government. I said, "Okay, we'll have that, but I will not hold all the responsibility, because that is against the constitution."

RESSA: If no compromise is reached by July 20th, will you declare state of emergency?

WAHID: Yes, I will declare an emergency state.

RESSA: What does "state of emergency" actually, mean Mr. President?

WAHID: We have to freeze both the Parliament and the People's Consultative Assembly, and then we have to have an earlier election (than usual) -- a snap election.

RESSA: In the snap election, will you run?

WAHID: Oh yes, of course.

RESSA: Do you have the support of the military and the police?

WAHID: Oh yes, yes, I know that.

RESSA: The chief of the army said that he didn't think that (you had his full support).

WAHID: (That is) only the chief. There are other people also there.

RESSA: You have a police chief you fired; he refuses to step down.

WAHID: I asked the government minister of politics, social and security affairs as well as the vice police (chief), Haraden, to take care of that insubordination … First, there is the national police chief in Montero, as well as the police chief of Jakarta. Both of them have been very insubordinate. It's up to (the minister and vice police chief) to detain them or not. Because, you know, to detain them while a situation right know is maybe risky, but for me then it's up to them.

RESSA: Does this kind of subordination erode your leadership, Mr. President?

WAHID: No, no, no. Among the people, I am still popular.

RESSA: How would you describe your relationship with your vice president, Megawati Sukarnoputri?

WAHID: Oh, it is okay. I respect her and I give her the right to, you know, to lead the cabinet meetings, to implement decisions by the government.

RESSA: Have there been personal differences between the two of you?

WAHID: Naturally. How can two people always have the same opinion? But we can always settle those differences.

RESSA: Yet you have taken some public snubs that seem to erode confidence in your leadership. Is that true?

WAHID: Well, this is an expression of style. Then, you know, those people always wanted a perfect man. That is impossible to have. So take me as I am, not as they think as ideal.