With the riots, on May 20 , 1988 , led by General Wiranto, the army took over Jakarta. Golkar party joined with the army in demanding Suharto 's resignation. On May 20 , 1998 , Suharto peacefully stepped down after 32 years at the helm, allowing for a smooth transition.
Following the Constitution, Vice President, B,J Habibie was sworn in as a new president. Habibie promised to hold national elections as soon as possible.