Reshuffling the Cabinet is not the answer<\/p>\n
The issue of a Cabinet reshuffle has been gaining in strength
\nlately. The reason is the delay of aid by the International
\nMonetary Fund (IMF), which believes that the Indonesian
\ngovernment lacks sincerity in implementing the 43 points agreed
\nupon in a letter of intent signed by Coordinating Minister for
\nthe Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie, who has been
\nwidely held responsible for this delay.<\/p>\n
Is Kwik then going to be replaced? This question is being
\nwidely asked of late. The problem, however, is not whether he
\nwill be replaced, but concerns doubts surrounding the
\ngovernment's policies in tackling the economic crisis.<\/p>\n
President Abdurrahman Wahid himself is busy making
\ncounterproductive maneuvers of his own. Some extraordinary
\nstatements he has made have caused the market to react
\nnegatively. The market also feels that the President is putting
\ngreater priority on political measures than on economic ones.
\nAbdurrahman's visit to a number of African and Latin American
\ncountries -- after only a fortnight ago barring his ministers
\nfrom traveling overseas -- also signals his lack of attention to
\nthis country's economic problems, which need mending most
\nurgently.<\/p>\n
The answer to the question of how to mend the economy, then,
\nis not a Cabinet reshuffle, but Abdurrahman's adroitness in
\nleading his economic team in resolving those existing problems.
\nThat -- and not publicly blaming his ministers -- should be the
\nPresident's main task.<\/p>\n
-- Republika, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/reshuffling-the-cabinet-is-not-the-answer-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }