Difficult days ahead?<\/p>\n
Rumors of a possible Cabinet reshuffle, constantly rejected by
\nPresident Abdurrahman Wahid in the past few days, have been
\nanswered. The President asked State Minister of Investment and
\nState Enterprises Development Laksamana Sukardi (who was from the
\nIndonesian Democratic Party of Struggle) and Minister of Industry
\nand Trade Yusuf Kalla (Golkar Party) to resign because they were
\nunable to commit themselves to the coherence of the National
\nUnity Cabinet, especially its economic team.<\/p>\n
The President's decision, coming at a time of economic and
\npolitical instability, was a shock and carried considerable
\npolitical risks. The reason for the two ministers' dismissal is
\nhighly debatable. Is it true the two were unable to maintain the
\nCabinet's coherence, or is Gus Dur (President Abdurrahman Wahid)
\nplaying out some other scenario that has nothing to do with
\neconomic recovery?<\/p>\n
The actual problem lies not with the two ministers concerned,
\nbut with the ability of the President -- who is responsible for
\nthe management of the state as its highest executive authority --
\nto lead and give directions to his ministers. Up to this moment
\nwe have not seen any serious effort made by the President to set
\nhis economic priorities.<\/p>\n
In any case, the President has made his decision, although it
\ndoes not in any way assure a better economic recovery. It could
\neven have the adverse effect of further impairing the economy.
\nAll the more so since the replacement was done in consideration
\nof political interests more than ability.<\/p>\n
The coming days could be difficult. The people -- who
\ninitially supported the current government bearing the label of
\n\"legitimate\" -- are anxiously awaiting what will come next.<\/p>\n
-- Republika, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/difficult-days-ahead-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }