Megawati makes good<\/p>\n
It was never on the cards for Indonesian President Megawati
\nSukarnoputri to appoint a cabinet of politicians who brought no
\npolitical baggage with them. There are too many debts owed for
\npast favors to hope for a wholly uncomplicated line-up. But she
\nhas allayed the worst predictions of the doomsayers.<\/p>\n
The list was a long time in coming, pointing to some difficult
\npersonal decisions as well as customary behind-the-scenes horse
\ntrading by the various political factions that make up the
\nIndonesian Parliament. But international investors will be
\nencouraged by the inclusion of highly professional technocrats
\ncharged with reviving the shattered economy, and that takes
\npriority over the other mammoth problems awaiting the attention
\nof the enigmatic new leader.<\/p>\n
The appointment of Dorodjatun Kuntjoro Jakti as Coordinating
\nMinister for the Economy is an encouraging start. Mr. Kuntjoro-
\nJakti is an academic with little administrative experience, but
\nmore importantly he is market-friendly, and believed to favor
\nincreased privatization. He should work well alongside Finance
\nMinister Boediono, known for his integrity and professionalism.
\nWith Laksamana Sukardi, another highly respected economics guru
\nas State Minister of State Enterprises, there is genuine scope
\nfor solving -- at any rate alleviating Indonesia's financial
\nwoes.<\/p>\n
Inevitably, a few names take some of the shine off the list.
\nMs. Megawati has made no secret of her commitment to unity. It is
\nhoped her choice of military hardliner Hari Sabarno to head the
\nministry of Home Affairs does not signal an intention to put the
\ngenie back in the bottle over regional independence. That would
\nbe a recipe for more chaos.<\/p>\n
Overall the President will earn praise for her wise decisions.
\nIn particular the appointment of U.S.-educated Susilo Bambang
\nYudhoyono as Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security.<\/p>\n
Given cross-party support it is just possible Ms. Megawati can
\nsteer the country out of its long-running crisis. The task facing
\nher is monumental, but she might yet prove to be a leader of the
\nsame stamp as her father.<\/p>\n
-- South China Morning Post, Hong Kong<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/megawati-makes-good-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }