Former Indonesian president Bacharuddin Jusof (BJ) Habibie said the democratic system guarantees the people's rights but they must also be responsible.

“Many people are now fighting for human rights under the democratic system but nobody is talking about human responsibility,” he said at a talk entitled ‘Habibie and Indonesia’s Transition to Democracy’ at Universiti Selangor in Shah Alam today.

Habibie, who took over the presidency from Suharto, said he felt responsible to restore democracy in Indonesia by removing constraints and the first thing he did was releasing political prisoners.

“"Those who are against the Indonesian government cannot be put in jail as it is for criminals who endanger society.”

He said although the decision was questioned by other leaders, he proceeded to release the political prisoners.

However, the released political prisoners were not thankful and held protests against him.

Habibie said although political prisoners did not share similar views with the government, they fought for others and as a leader he should listen to them.

“Leaders have to think for the people and ensure their well-being, peace and security,” he added.

Habibie, who was in the aviation industry in Germany, said he never dreamt of becoming president and only wanted to build airplanes.

As Indonesia’s third president, Habibie, 76, had the shortest stint in office, from 1998 to 1999.

- Bernama