Megawati pays back 'debts to parties'

By Amit Baruah

SINGAPORE, AUG. 9. Over a fortnight after taking power, the Indonesian President, Ms. Megawati Sukarnoputri, today announced a mix of politicians, professionals and military men in a 30- member Cabinet.

Ms. Megawati said in Jakarta that the much-awaited line-up would have three Coordinating Ministers, 17 full Ministers and 10 State Ministers.

The President, who was sworn in on July 23, appeared to have paid back her debts to political parties who supported her while keeping the powerful military happy as well.

Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, a former General, retains the job of Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security that he held under the impeached President, Mr. Abdurrahman Wahid. In the last days of his Presidency, Mr. Bambang was, however, sacked by Mr. Wahid.

The job of the Chief Economics Minister has gone to Mr. Dorodjatun Kuntoro-Jakti, an economist by training and Indonesia's outgoing ambassador to Washington.

Mr. Matori Abdul Jalil, recently removed from Mr. Wahid's party, was appointed as the new Defence Minister. Analysts believe that he is close to the military, which will be happy with the President's choice.

The job of Foreign Minister has gone to a professional - Mr. Hasan Wirayuda - who has been negotiating with the Free Aceh Movement. He has also been Indonesia's permanent representative to the United Nations.

Two key associates of the President - Mr. Kwik Gian Gie and Mr. Laksmana Sukardi - have been brought back into the Cabinet as Minister for National Planning and Minister of State Firms. Both these aides of Ms. Megawati had been fired by Mr. Wahid from his Cabinet.

Lt. Gen. Hari Sabarno, from the military/police faction in Parliament becomes the Home Minister while Mr. Agum Gumelar, a former General, becomes the Transport Minister. Lt. Gen. (retd) A.M. Hendropriyono becomes the new chief of the national intelligence agency.

Clearly, the President has indicated her preference for serving and retired military personnel while including professionals to run the economy and deal with foreign affairs.

Two members from the (Islam-linked) Central Axis faction have also been accommodated in the Cabinet - yet another sign that the President is pursuing an inclusive approach.

In a speech broadcast on national television, Ms. Megawati stated that the Cabinet's main task would be to restore the economic health of the country. ``I realise how difficult the tasks of the new Cabinet will be. I'm looking for support from all groups,'' Ms. Megawati maintained.

``In the economic sector, the main issues to be addressed will be the Rupiah's volatility, the problems of the national banking system and the need for investment,'' the President stated.

From a social viewpoint, the President felt that the main issue to be tackled was the ``decline of national discipline and social solidarity''.

``In defence and security issues, the separation of the military and the police has not been completed while at the same time public safety and security worsens,'' the President stated.

Ms. Megawati said her Government would pursue a ``free and active foreign policy'' and try to regain the confidence of investors and international donor agencies and investors.

The President stated that another job of the new Cabinet would be the conduct of free and fair elections in 2004. ``As the Cabinet encounters huge tasks to meet people's expectations to get out of the crisis quickly, I realise that with the spirit of togetherness from all the people of Indonesia, the new Cabinet will be able to carry out its programmes,'' she said.

Overall, it would appear that the Cabinet line-up announced by the President contains few surprises. She is known to favour a greater role for the military in the country - a preference that has been reflected in the composition of the Cabinet.

On the economy, she has appointed persons who would be acceptable to donor agencies at a time when Indonesia is looking for fresh infusion of money and investment.

A lot, however, would depend on how the team works and how the other political actors in Parliament play the game given the fact that Ms. Megawati's party does not enjoy a majority.

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Section  : International
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