Susilo urged to build good ties with DPR<\/p>\n
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
President-in-waiting Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono must build a good
\nrapport with politicians in the House of Representatives (DPR) if
\nhe wishes to avoid conflicts that could stymie his programs,
\nanalysts say.<\/p>\n
Azyumardi Azra of the Syarif Hidayatullah Islamic University
\nand Indria Samego of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI),
\nhowever, said good political communications did not have to mean
\nhorse-trading in the House that would water down Susilo's
\ncampaign promises.<\/p>\n
\"Communication must be made to explain his agenda, especially
\npolicies that may impact on people lives,\" Azyumardi told The
\nJakarta Post on Sunday.<\/p>\n
Indria said Susilo and running mate Jusuf Kalla should act to
\nconvince the public they had a strong commitment to improving the
\npeople's welfare.<\/p>\n
Fears of conflict between Susilo and the House began when the
\nNationhood Coalition, which supported incumbent President
\nMegawati Soekarnoputri in the Sept. 20 election runoff, decided
\nto position itself as an opposition faction in the House and
\nregional legislatures.<\/p>\n
The coalition, which consists of Megawati's Indonesian
\nDemocratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the Golkar Party and the
\nProsperous Peace Party (PDS), won the contest for House speaker,
\nelecting senior Golkar politician Agung Laksono in a tight race
\non Saturday morning, and appears to have swept elections for
\nHouse commission chairmen.<\/p>\n
Another coalition member, the United Development Party (PPP),
\nhas decided to quit the coalition and fielded it own candidate,
\nthe defeated Endin Sofihara, in its bid for the DPR speakership.
\nHowever, two small parties -- the Reform Star Party (PBR) and
\nConcern for the Nation Functional Party (PKPB) -- showed signs
\nthe coalition could expand, voting with the coalition for Agung.<\/p>\n
Analysts say the coalition, which failed to boost Megawati's
\nchances in the runoff, could shoot down any initiatives taken by
\nSusilo to bring the country out of its economic crisis.<\/p>\n
Under the current system many government programs, including
\nthe drafting of state budget and appointments of ambassadors and
\nchiefs of police, Army, Navy, Air Force and the Indonesian
\nMilitary, have to get approval from the House.<\/p>\n
Indria, however, doubted the coalition would have a
\nsignificant impact on Susilo's administration, saying Susilo, not
\nthe House, would determine whether his government succeeded or
\nfailed.<\/p>\n
\"The composition of (Susilo's) cabinet will also be an
\nimportant factor. I hear Susilo has listed some political
\nopponents in his cabinet,\" said Indria, adding that such a move
\nwould weaken his opposition in the House.<\/p>\n
Azyumardi and Indria said they believed the Nationhood
\nCoalition would not seriously affect Susilo's government because
\nthe political parties in the grouping had different interests.<\/p>\n
The PPP's decision to quit the coalition was a clear signal
\nthat the grouping was not solid, they said.<\/p>\n
\"I don't think the coalition is strong enough to disturb
\nSusilo's government. If Susilo can convince the public, he will
\neven get more support,\" Azyumardi said.<\/p>\n
Indria said coalition members would try to occupy key
\npositions in the House after failing to help Megawati and running
\nmate Hasyim Muzadi win the presidential runoff.<\/p>",
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