Agum installed to replace Susilo<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid installed on
\nSaturday former communications minister Agum Gumelar as the new
\nCoordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs,
\nin the absence of Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Agum's
\npredecessor Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Army Chief of Staff Gen.
\nEndriartono Sutarto.<\/p>\n
A deputy secretary-general of the Indonesian Democratic Party
\nof Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), Pramono Anung, said that Megawati's
\nabsence was a result of poor coordination between her and the
\nPresident.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, an employee at Susilo's residence said that Agum's
\npredecessor failed to attend the ceremony because: \"We heard
\n(from unofficial sources) about the inauguration just hours
\nbefore it was held. We had to check with the palace if the news
\nwas true. After waiting until 30 minutes before the ceremony, we
\nreceived no invitation (from the palace). Then he (Susilo)
\ndecided to attend a family gathering.\"<\/p>\n
A similar reason was also voiced at Endriartono's residence.
\n\"I guess it is a holiday. Bapak is staying at home since there is
\nno invitation to attend that important event,\" a staff member
\nsaid in a telephone interview on Saturday.<\/p>\n
In his introductory speech, the President expressed his
\ngratitude to Susilo, who he said had worked hard to maintain
\nsecurity and peace in the country.<\/p>\n
\"Bapak Agum Gumelar has diplomatic skills and strong influence
\nin the TNI (Indonesian Military), the key factors to maintaining
\nsecurity in the country,\" Abdurrahman said.<\/p>\n
Present at Agum's inauguration were, among others, TNI chief
\nAdm. Widodo AS and National Police chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro.<\/p>\n
Bimantoro was among those who left the palace soon after
\nAgum's induction, skipping the induction of Deputy National
\nPolice chief Comr. Gen. Chaeruddin, when the President declared
\nthat he (Bimantoro) was non-active.<\/p>\n
Earlier on Friday, the President reshuffled his Cabinet,
\nincluding the replacement of Attorney General Marzuki Darusman.<\/p>\n
Agum was the only new minister installed on Saturday, while
\nthe other ministers and the new Attorney General will reportedly
\nbe officially appointed on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\"Why should you congratulate me? It is a hot plate that I have
\nreceived,\" Agum said when The Jakarta Post congratulated him
\nbefore leaving his residence for the palace.<\/p>\n
Agum said after the ceremony that neither Megawati nor senior
\nTNI officers were opposed to him accepting his new position.<\/p>\n
He refused to be interviewed, promising to talk to the press
\nafter the transfer of duties, scheduled for Tuesday.<\/p>\n
However, when intercepted by reporters after the ceremony,
\nAgum said, \"What Pak Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono achieved was
\nexcellent. I have to continue (his initiatives).\"<\/p>\n
Asked whether he would take a similar stance as Susilo did
\nregarding the President's planned issuance of an edict to declare
\na state of emergency, Agum, a former chief of the Army's Special
\nForce (Kopassus) said: \"I have to analyze my job description in
\nthe next few days.\"<\/p>\n
Observers believe that Agum is now in a difficult situation.<\/p>\n
Minister of Defense Moh. Mahfud MD said in Yogyakarta on
\nSaturday that Agum, with his background as Kopassus' former
\nchief, was a professional soldier who could execute firm and
\nrepressive action when required.<\/p>\n
\"He may be more suited to holding the post in such a
\nsituation. Maybe the President needed a person who was tougher,
\nfaster and stronger (than Susilo),\" Mahfud said. (02\/23\/imn)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/agum-installed-to-replace-susilo-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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