A Cabinet reshuffle?<\/p>\n
Grievances about the ineffectiveness of President Abdurrahman
\nWahid's two-month-old administration have been growing louder
\nlately.<\/p>\n
There has been no indignation on the public's part concerning
\nthe complaints, because the public's initial expectations of the
\ngovernment -- which was formed in the midst of the crippling
\neconomic crisis and the threat of national disintegration, and
\nwhich was seen as being the first legitimate government the
\ncountry had ever had -- have been dashed.<\/p>\n
During his administration's two months of existence,
\nAbdurrahman has welcomed criticism and appealed for foreign
\nsupport by visiting many parts of the globe. But his
\nadministration's activities have failed to boost the people's
\noptimism, and has in most likelihood confused most.<\/p>\n
A closer look at the situation will reveal that the
\nadministration was in trouble right at conception. Dubbed the
\nNational Unity Cabinet, it was born deformed. Its birth was
\nassisted by at least four midwives, comprising Abdurrahman and
\nVice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, People's Consultative
\nAssembly Speaker Amien Rais and former military commander Gen.
\nWiranto. These people of course have different interests and
\nphilosophies. Individual ministers were selected from political
\nparties with representatives in the House of Representatives.
\nEach party played a role in Abdurrahman's election as president.<\/p>\n
Another feature of the Cabinet's formation was that some of
\nthe ministers were picked in an effort to placate restive
\nprovinces. By choosing this method, the midwives ignored the
\nstandard tradition of choosing ministers who the President
\nconsidered knowledgeable and trustworthy, as well as whether they
\nwere capable of doing their jobs and forging cooperation.<\/p>\n
These days it is discouraging for the public to witness the
\nadministration's inability to address the devastating problems
\nleft by the Soeharto regime and how the ministers seem unable, or
\nunwilling, to cooperate with each other. Some people have said
\nthat Gus Dur, as the President is popularly called, has an
\nuncommon style but tragically lacks a deep sense of crisis and of
\npriorities.<\/p>\n
In this situation, many people argue that a Cabinet shuffle is
\nimperative. In its present form, the Cabinet is no answer to
\nIndonesia's problems. It definitely needs an overhaul.<\/p>\n
Ironically, rumors doing the rounds about a Cabinet reshuffle
\nare apparently based on snippets coming from the palace. Can the
\npresidential office spread gossip? It is possible since it seems
\nto have become part of the game. And remember that despite the
\nfast democratization drive, rumors still replace modern
\ncommunication here. And it is Gus Dur's style to generate public
\nspeculation before he does something.<\/p>\n
If hearing is believing, a Cabinet reshuffle will take place
\nafter the Muslim post-fasting holiday of Idul Fitri, which is
\nthis coming weekend. In this era of reform, nine ministers are
\nunder scrutiny, and foremost among them is Coordinating Minister
\nfor Political Affairs and Security Gen. Wiranto, who clearly
\nbelongs to the previous despotic regime.<\/p>\n
When Gus Dur really sits down to shake up his Cabinet, he
\nshould reflect and realize that he also needs to change his style
\nbefore it is too late. Otherwise he may end up becoming his own
\nworst enemy.<\/p>\n
After that he can enjoy the freedom to select the figures he
\nknows and trusts best and with whom he shares the same vision. He
\nwill also have to forget about rewarding the groupings who helped
\nhim become president, because such underhanded dealings belong to
\nthe past.<\/p>\n
A best case scenario would be one in which the people could
\nunderstand that the Cabinet reserved seats only for members of
\nAbdurrahman's National Awakening Party (PKB), Megawati's
\nIndonesian Democratic Party of Struggle and perhaps veteran
\nkingmaker Amien Rias' National Mandate Party (PAN). Golkar,
\nSoeharto's former political tool, and other parties should not
\nbury their heads in the sand but should take the initiative by
\nforging a healthy opposition group to prove that democracy is
\nreally at work here.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/a-cabinet-reshuffle-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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