Changing of the guard<\/p>\n
Although this is not the first time President Soeharto has
\nstunned the public with a surprise decision, many observers were
\nclearly taken aback yesterday by the nomination of Gen. Hartono
\nas minister of information.<\/p>\n
Considering his service record, it had been expected that
\nafter his scheduled retirement next week, the 56-year-old Army
\nchief of staff would be assigned a new post of importance. But
\nfew had expected him to be given a cabinet position of such
\nstrategic importance -- and certainly not in the middle of a
\npresidential term, which happens very rarely in this country.<\/p>\n
So, as of Wednesday next week, barring some highly unlikely
\nunforeseen circumstances, Gen. Hartono will replace information
\nminister Harmoko, who has held the post for more than 14 years.
\nApart from being a former journalist, Harmoko is also a seasoned
\npolitician and, it should be noted, one who led the dominant
\nGolkar to its landslide victory in the May 29 general election.<\/p>\n
Given all this, a few questions arise. One that concerns the
\nmedia most is, how, in his capacity as minister of information,
\nwill Gen. Hartono compare to his predecessor, who apart from
\nbeing close to the press is also a great communicator with the
\ngeneral public?<\/p>\n
Those who contend that the presence of an Army general in this
\npost does not bode well for the media should remember that the
\nlate Ali Moertopo was also an Army general, and his service to
\nthe growth of a healthy media should not be questioned. Whether
\nGen. Hartono will do equally well, or whether he will take a
\ndifferent road, is a question that only time will tell. But for
\nthe moment, his remark that he will not lightly revoke a news
\npublication's publishing license is certainly welcomed.<\/p>\n
Another question that now occupies the mind is what role will
\noutgoing information minister Harmoko play in this country's
\npolitical stage as state minister of special assignments. With
\nGolkar having won almost three quarters of the votes cast in the
\npast election, we believe that its chairman, Harmoko, will have
\nhis hands full preparing for the upcoming general session of the
\nPeople's Consultative Assembly, which will elect the country's
\npresident and vice president for the next five-year term and
\noutline the broad outlines of state policy that will usher the
\ncountry into the new millennium.<\/p>\n
As we look forward with confidence toward working together in
\na spirit of beneficial and productive cooperation, we welcome
\nGen. Hartono to his new post. We would also like to wish the
\noutgoing Minister of Information Harmoko all the best, confident
\nthat he will do well in his new position.<\/p>",
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