Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 August 2001

64 articles found

Indonesia's democratic tug-of-war

Indonesia's democratic tug-of-war The following is the second of two articles based on a presentation by Dr. Ignas Kleden of The Go-East Institute/Institute for East-Indonesian Affairs in Jakarta. The sociologist spoke at the Asian Leadership Fellow Program Reunion Conference 2001 in Bangkok on Aug. 7. JAKARTA: Those who wanted to see Abdurrahman Wahid toppled were those who felt uneasy with the freedom he showed in dealing with the institutional set-up and bureaucracy.

Line up of the new cabinet

Line up of the new cabinet JAKARTA (JP): The following is the lineup of the 32-member Cabinet announced on Thursday by President Megawati Soekarnoputri at the State Palace: A. Coordinating ministers Name Position Background 1. Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Political and Security Affairs Military 2. Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-jakti Economy Professional 3. Jusuf Kalla People's Welfare Golkar B. Ministers 4. Lt. Gen. (ret) Hari Sabarno Home Affairs Military 5.

RP military accused of allowing rebels to escape

RP military accused of allowing rebels to escape MANILA (Agencies): A Roman Catholic priest once kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf rebels on southern Basilan island has accused top military officers of conniving with the rebels holding 21 U.S. and Filipino hostages, a report said on Thursday. Father Cirilo Nacorda named five military officers in a newspaper report on Thursday and charged they had allowed the kidnappers to escape even though they had allegedly trapped the gunmen.

Ban on photos at tourist sites

Ban on photos at tourist sites Deeply disappointed by what happened at Kebun Raya Bogor (Bogor Botanical Gardens), my guest from New Zealand cut short his holiday here. He left Jakarta on Aug. 4, 2001 instead of Aug. 11, 2001 (his scheduled departure date). He is a retired volcanologist who is really keen on nature study in Indonesia.

World Bank welcomes new economics team

World Bank welcomes new economics team JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank welcomed on Thursday the country's new economics team, saying that they expected to be able to work closely with it to resolve the various economic problems plaguing the nation. "It is a very promising economics team. It should be well- received by the financial markets," World Bank country director for Indonesia Mark Baird said. Baird praised the economics team as it combined professional experience and technocratic expertise.

Indonesians move closer to final of men's doubles

Indonesians move closer to final of men's doubles JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian men's doubles teams booked their semifinal places and moved closer to setting up an all-Indonesian encounter for the title at the Badminton World Grand Prix Finals in Brunei Darussalam on Thursday. The two Indonesian pairs beat Danish opponents for their second straight win in their respective group matches.

Keep calm and maintain unity

Keep calm and maintain unity From Rakyat Merdeka With regard to the bombing of the Catholic church in Duren Sawit and the Batak Protestant church in Jatiwaringin on July 22, 2001 perpetrated by irresponsible persons, we, the executive board of the Community of Indonesian Christians are deeply concerned and saddened by the fact that the two bomb blasts have claimed a number of innocent victims.

Morgan's, a great little watering hole in C. Jakarta

Morgan's, a great little watering hole in C. Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): If you happen to be unlucky enough to be driving through Pasar Senen at night (God forbid that you should get a puncture), one thing you'll notice pretty quick is just how much like a battlefield the whole place is. That, accompanied by the recent bombing there, sent the beginnings of a little quiver down my spine.

Brief profiles of members of the 'Gotong Royong' Cabinet

Brief profiles of members of the 'Gotong Royong' Cabinet Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono only shot to fame recently, though many had rightly expected him to return to the forefront of the national political scene. Susilo first entered the Cabinet as minister of mines and energy in Oct. 1999 under the government of then president Abdurrahman Wahid. Not long afterwards, he became Abdurrahman's top political security minister.

Riau

Riau Riau people threaten to take over PT CPI. Page 3 India India's security threats, from China to U.S. Page 5 Badminton Indonesians move closer to final of men's doubles. Page 6 'Celltiquette' Cellular phone users, please dial 'celltiquette'. Page 8 U.S. economy U.S. economy remains in the doldrums: Fed Page 10 Coffee Indonesia urges Brazil, Vietnam to cut coffee supply. Page 12

KL teacher faces sedition charges

KL teacher faces sedition charges KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): A Malaysian teacher has been charged with sedition for a test question asking his students to discuss the justice system, local media reported on Thursday. Shamsukamal Abu Bakar, 33, pleaded not guilty after appearing in court in the northern state of Terengganu on Wednesday. He was released on bail, to reappear for trial on Oct. 1. Shamsukamal faces a three-year jail term and a fine of 5,000 ringgit (US$1,316) if found guilty.

Arroyo draws hard line on Malaysia's Anwar, Abu Sayyaf

Arroyo draws hard line on Malaysia's Anwar, Abu Sayyaf KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo drew a hard line on Thursday on Malaysia's jailed politician, Anwar Ibrahim, saying she would not meet with his wife unless the Malaysian government gave the green light.

Many Irianese scantyly clad

Many Irianese scantyly clad JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Most residents of Puncak Jaya, a remote regency in the mountainous central part of Irian Jaya, are scantily clad and far more backward than those in other parts of the province, an official said on Thursday.

Howard to meet Megawati on Sunday

Howard to meet Megawati on Sunday CANBERRA (AP): Prime Minister John Howard said Thursday that talks next week with Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri will open a new and positive phase in relations between the giant neighbors. Howard flies to the Indonesian capital of Jakarta on Sunday and will be the first world leader to visit Megawati since she was appointed president almost three weeks ago.

Missing soldiers found alive

Missing soldiers found alive AMBON, Maluku: The three privates of Infantry Battalion 731, who were reported missing last Saturday, were found alive on Thursday morning. Pattimura Military chief Brig. Gen. Mustopo said later in the day that the three soldiers had been kidnapped. "The three were found with their hands tied on a village on a hill near the villages of Allang Assaude and Hatualang.

10 people shot dead in Aceh

10 people shot dead in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Ten workers of Bumi Flora, a company dealing in oil palm plantations, were killed in the district of Idi Rayeuk, East Aceh on Thursday. The spokesman for the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist group accused Indonesian Army (TNI) personnel of conducting the killings. TNI personnel were upset by a GAM raid on a TNI post in the area on Wednesday, said Amri Abdul Wahib, who is the commander of GAM in northern Aceh.

New ministers comment on appointment

New ministers comment on appointment JAKARTA (JP): The new Cabinet ministers had differing views and comments on their appointment. The following are excerpts of what they said: Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono I was watching television when the President read out the lineup of the new Cabinet. I will be back in the office soon.

Play brings abduction issue back into the spotlight

Play brings abduction issue back into the spotlight By Hera Diani JAKARTA (JP): Uncertainty kills and waiting is the most exhausting ordeal. That is how it feels for the friends and families of people who have been missing for years, abducted as a consequence of standing up against repressive authority.

Market will give Cabinet benefit of the doubt

Market will give Cabinet benefit of the doubt President Megawati Soekarnoputri's Cabinet is an excellent start for the new government to work with, Hadi Soesastro, an economist and executive director of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, told The Jakarta Post. Question: How do you see President Megawati's Cabinet. Answer: The Cabinet is much better than what had been anticipated by the market.

2 x 22 48pt Optima Bold

2 x 22 48pt Optima Bold New Cabinet needs to negotiate on onerous debt The new Cabinet faces a tight schedule in the following weeks. Political economist Revrisond Baswir of the Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University shares his concerns. Question: What do you see as President Megawati Soekarnoputri's priorities?

Tommy's wife and sisters summoned for questioning

Tommy's wife and sisters summoned for questioning JAKARTA (JP): The daughters of former President Soeharto and the wife of his fugitive son Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra would be questioned in connection with the murder of Supreme Court Justice M. Syafiuddin Kartasasmita, which was allegedly masterminded by Tommy, a police officer said on Thursday. Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr.

Pacific states study pact

Pacific states study pact WELLINGTON (Dow Jones): A proposed regional trade and economic cooperation agreement will be considered by leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum group of nations meeting in Nauru next week, New Zealand Foreign Minister Phil Goff said Thursday.

Cellular phone users, please dial 'celltiquette'

Cellular phone users, please dial 'celltiquette' By I. Christianto JAKARTA (JP): Many people have enjoyed the miracle of the cellular phone. Most users of this wonderful gadget cannot even imagine living without them. They can call the office to say they are coming in late for a meeting and then quickly arrange a rendezvous on a street corner, for example Thanks to wireless communications and information technology, today cellular phones are in most purses and pockets.

Line up of the new cabinet

Line up of the new cabinet JAKARTA (JP): The following is the lineup of the 32-member Cabinet announced on Thursday by President Megawati Soekarnoputri at the State Palace: A. Coordinating ministers Name Position Background 1. Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Political and Security Affairs Military 2. Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-jakti Economy Professional 3. Jusuf Kalla People's Welfare Golkar B. Ministers 4. Lt. Gen. (ret) Hari Sabarno Home Affairs Military 5.

Asian currencies mixed late, rupiah surges to 10-month high

Asian currencies mixed late, rupiah surges to 10-month high SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mixed late Thursday, as domestic factors mitigated the pressure from declining stock markets across the region and concerns over a protracted economic downturn, dealers said. The Indonesian rupiah earlier surged to its strongest level since October last year, on growing confidence that President Megawati Soekarnoputri would unveil a market-friendly cabinet Thursday.

New Cabinet needs to take hard look at odius debt

New Cabinet needs to take hard look at odius debt Can the new Cabinet relieve the country of its debt trap? Political economist Revrisond Baswir of the Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University (UGM) shares his concerns. What are President Megawati Soekarnoputri's priorities?

Drinks stalls to be relocated

Drinks stalls to be relocated JAKARTA (JP): About 300 stalls selling drinks around the former red-light district of Kramat Tunggak in North Jakarta will be relocated to several markets in the mayoralty. About 600 kiosks have been prepared for the relocation. Mayor Soebagyo said on Thursday the mayoralty had allocated Rp 1.5 billion for the relocation of the stalls. The relocation is expected to be conducted soon. These stalls are called "ginseng stalls" as they sell ginseng herbal drinks.

Rupiah gains strength as markets cheer new cabinet

Rupiah gains strength as markets cheer new cabinet JAKARTA (JP): Weeks of waiting ended on Thursday for a jittery currency market after President Megawati Soekarnoputri unveiled a solid economics team in her new Cabinet, boosting the rupiah in the process to a ten-month high against the U.S. dollar. Although rumors of a solid Cabinet had been making the rounds days before, the market cheered the announcement with more dollar selling.

'History of spying' hampers Singtel's bid

'History of spying' hampers Singtel's bid SYDNEY (DPA): Pressure on the Australian government to block a bid by government-owned Singapore Telecommunications to buy Australia's second-largest phone company increased Thursday. The A$14-billion (US$7-billion) offer by SingTel for Cable & Wireless Optus was called into question by claims the Singaporean government would monitor traffic on the defense satellite that Optus manages for the Australian military.

Megawati names rainbow cabinet

Megawati names rainbow cabinet JAKARTA (JP): President Megawati Soekarnoputri named her Cabinet on Thursday, giving away some, but not all, of the seats to the political factions, including the Indonesian Military (TNI), who had supported her rise to power 18 days earlier. Most key cabinet posts, particularly in the economic arena, were given to professionals and bureaucrats, but there were enough seats left to placate the political factions and secure her the crucial support of the legislature.

No small change, better generation

No small change, better generation From Surabaya Post The hike in fuel prices announced on June 16 annoyed almost everyone because it immediately increased the prices of every commodity, particularly the fares of city transportation. Without waiting for an official announcement from the Governor, authorizing the exact amount for the fare increase, the drivers of Angkot (one form of city transportation) unilaterally upped the fare from Rp 800 to Rp 1,000.

World Bank calls new economic team 'promising'

World Bank calls new economic team 'promising' JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank welcomed on Thursday the country's new economic team, saying that they expected to be able to work closely with it to resolve the various economic problems plaguing the nation. "It is a very promising economic team. It should be well- received by the financial markets," World Bank country director for Indonesia Mark Baird said.

Cabinet has great economy team

Cabinet has great economy team A number of experts share their views on the Cabinet with The Jakarta Post. Among them, senior economist Muhammad Sadli, also a minister for several years during the New Order government, gives a thumbs-up to the new economic team. Question: The new Cabinet's program for the economy is said to kickstart the economy and strengthen the basis for the nation's economy. Is the program adequate for addressing our economic problems?

Peru asks Japan to justify Fujimori's Japanese nationality

Peru asks Japan to justify Fujimori's Japanese nationality LIMA (AFP): Peru asked Japan what legal reasoning was used to grant ousted president Alberto Fujimori Japanese nationality, Foreign Minister Diego Garcia Sayan announced here. Peru wants Japan to explain "the development or reasoning which lead" to the conclusion that the Peruvian-born Fujimori was Japanese, Garcia Sayan said late Wednesday.

Indonesia urges Brazil, Vietnam to cut coffee supply

Indonesia urges Brazil, Vietnam to cut coffee supply JAKARTA (JP): Disappointed with the failure of the world's coffee retention plan, Indonesia's coffee exporters have urged major producing countries Brazil and Vietnam to limit coffee supplies onto the international market in an effort to prop up prices.

Information ministry meets resistance

Information ministry meets resistance JAKARTA (JP): The establishment of the State Ministry for Communication and Information was met with antagonism from activists despite assurances from the new minister that the institution will not exercise censorship. Syamsul Mu'arif, the new state minister, said on Thursday that the new institution would not be modeled on the New Order regime's information ministry, which controlled the media.

Gift suspected to be a bomb

Gift suspected to be a bomb JAKARTA (JP): Wary of the series of bombings that rocked the city, a police officer's housemaid contacted the police on Thursday upon receiving a parcel from a private bank. Police officers immediately rushed to the house of the maid's employer, Adj.Comr. Wawan Irawan, in Bumi Serpong Damai housing complex in Tangerang. On examination, they found the parcel contained a cellular phone, which was a gift won by Wawan, a customer of the bank.

The paradox is while the government has to be market friendly,

The paradox is while the government has to be market friendly, corruption and money politics continues to be widespread.

South Korea to fully repay IMF loan soon

South Korea to fully repay IMF loan soon SEOUL (AFP): South Korea will have fully repaid an emergency bailout loan, worth about US$20 billion, to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this month, the finance and economy ministry said Thursday. The repayment of $440 million -- the final part of the IMF loan yet to be repaid, will be settled on August 23, the ministry said.

The delayed budget speech

The delayed budget speech Submitting the draft state budget each year (to the House of Representatives) is a routine task of the incumbent government. Preparing the draft is, therefore, a routine task of the members of the outgoing Abdurrahman Cabinet. Consequently, despite changes at the top of the administration, all the ministers responsible for preparing the draft should be working as usual.

U.S. must pull out of the South: N. Korea

U.S. must pull out of the South: N. Korea SEOUL: North Korea is yet again calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from South Korea. Or, for the 121st time since 1948 -- if a quasi-governmental think tank is correct in its calculations. Still, the latest call was particularly noteworthy, coming after a lengthy silence and alleged acquiescence by Pyongyang. The problem is, the ongoing fuss seems set to amount to little more than another political dogfight.

Vietnam Airlines to add flights

Vietnam Airlines to add flights HANOI (AFP): State-owned Vietnam Airlines is to lay on five extra flights a day between Ho Chi Minh City and Kuala Lumpur for next month's Southeast Asian Games in the Malaysian capital. On Sept.6, 12, 13, 16 and 18, the Vietnamese flag carrier will fly six flights a day between the two cities, instead of the usual four a week, official media reported Thursday.

Major challenges facing Megawati

Major challenges facing Megawati From Kompas A statement of former President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid that Megawati Soekarnoputri would be trapped by the New Order forces in the administration, House of Representatives (DPR) and People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), should be taken into account even though Gus Dur himself didn't consistently fight against corruption and irregularities allegedly committed by people in the DPR/MPR and their partners in private business circles.

Indonesia 'has no law on domain name'

Indonesia 'has no law on domain name' JAKARTA (JP): A businessman who is being prosecuted for allegedly illegally registering the domain name of Mustika Ratu.com, asked the court on Thursday to drop the case as the country does not have any legislation governing the matter. The Central Jakarta District Court should drop the case against Tjandra Sugiono, 32, a former general manager of international marketing firm PT Martina Berto, his lawyer, Didi Irawadi Syamsuddin, argued before the court.

3. 4Ignas -- (part2)

3. 4Ignas -- (part2) 1 x 30 36pt NCSB Our democratic tug-of-war The following is the first of two articles based on a presentation by Dr. Ignas Kleden of The Go-East Institute/Institute for East-Indonesian Affairs in Jakarta. The sociologist spoke at the Asian Leadership Fellow Program Reunion Conference 2001 in Bangkok on Aug. 7.

Riau people threaten to take over PT CPI

Riau people threaten to take over PT CPI PEKANBARU, Riau (JP): Despite canceling their plan to blockade the oil operation of PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia (CPI), the people of Riau, represented by the Riau Alliance for the Control of Coastal Plains Pekanbaru (Aruk CPP) demanded on Thursday that all parties involved in the deal between the government and CPI respect the deal.

Megawati's Cabinet

Megawati's Cabinet The market may react positively to the composition of the economic team in the new Cabinet, however, this alone is not enough. In the long term, a thorough understanding of the existing political realities -- the consensus that has been reached among political parties to respect the new Cabinet and the government until 2004 -- will be vital. It is quite natural for the political parties to insist on having their members sit on the Cabinet.

'Jurassic Park III': More scary dinos but less surprises

'Jurassic Park III': More scary dinos but less surprises By Joko E.H. Anwar Jurassic Park III, **1/2 out of four stars; Adventure/Sci-Fi, 92 minutes; Starring Sam Neill, William H.

Extension of Caltex operations

Extension of Caltex operations Upon reading the article published in The Jakarta Post of Aug. 8, 2001, titled Riau police declare top alert in Caltex operation you cannot escape a feeling of despair. This article reveals that we can expect another disaster on top of the already existing disasters prevailing in this country, while a solution is still nowhere near. This case concerns whether the government will decide to extend the operations of Caltex for another year.

Mutual-help Cabinet

Mutual-help Cabinet The one-week delay in the announcement of President Megawati Soekarnoputri's Cabinet turned out to be worth the wait, judging from the integrity, professionalism and inclusiveness of her core working team finally unveiled on Thursday morning. The misgivings many had harbored in view of the intense political jockeying and horse trading, turned out to be entirely unfounded.

Observers hail Megawati's Cabinet lineup

Observers hail Megawati's Cabinet lineup JAKARTA (JP): Observers hailed on Thursday the new Cabinet lineup under President Megawati Soekarnoputri, but at the same time warned that there might be a major political crisis if Megawati and Vice President Hamzah Haz did not relinquish their party chairmanship.

I have family bond with Megawati: Arroyo

I have family bond with Megawati: Arroyo KUALA LUMPUR (AP): The women's caucus in Association of Southeast Asian Nations began with the dads. Though both are new presidents, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Philippines said on Thursday that she and Indonesia's Megawati Sukarnoputri go way back. "President Megawati and I have a special family bond," Arroyo told a news conference wrapping up a three-day visit to Malaysia.

National boxers miss rigorous Cuban test

National boxers miss rigorous Cuban test JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian boxers currently training in Cuba have missed the opportunity to test their skills against local pugilists. The Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association's (Pertina) deputy secretary general, Didit Soedijoto, told a weekly media briefing on Thursday that the fights would not take place, after the Cuban boxing body postponed the national championships until September.

Rupiah rate Aug.9

Rupiah rate Aug.9 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Bogor Police hold Korean

Bogor Police hold Korean BOGOR (JP): The police held a Korean businessman after some 350 angry employees stormed his office and threatened to assault the foreigner for allegedly failing to pay their salaries, a policeman said. The officer said on Wednesday that Park Yong Kuk, the owner of PT Korintama Furindo Industry garment factory here, was taken to Bogor Police station on Tuesday night, not only to prevent him from running away, but also to protect him from the mob.

Makeup of Megawati's team: To please and appease

Makeup of Megawati's team: To please and appease Lecturer in politics Riswandha Imawan of the Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta looks at the result of what he says is a careful balance in the new, "transitional" Cabinet composition. Question: How do you view the Cabinet lineup? Answer: It clearly shows President Megawati Soekarnoputri's careful effort to place figures that pose a low threat of resistance from among the public.

Megawati's Cabinet, the best since Soeharto?

Megawati's Cabinet, the best since Soeharto? After trying to make everyone happy, a further test for President Megawati Soekarnoputri will be in facing various demands from political parties, writes political analyst J. Soedjati Djiwandono. JAKARTA (JP): After a rather unusually long wait, President Megawati Soekarnoputri has finally announced her new Cabinet. The people seem to have got what they were waiting for.

New Cabinet needs to negotiate on odious debt

New Cabinet needs to negotiate on odious debt The new Cabinet faces a tight schedule in the following weeks. Political economist Revrisond Baswir of the Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University shares his concerns. Question: What do you see as President Megawati Soekarnoputri's priorities?

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug 9, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,400 -75 2,068,000 Adindo Foresta 105 5 75,000 AGIS 135 -5 301,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 2,200 0 0 Alakasa 200 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 950 0 141,500 Alter Abadi 80 0 12,000 Alumindo Light 675 -25 24,500 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 200 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,000 -50 3,300,500 Apac Citra...

Chief economics minister targets job creation

Chief economics minister targets job creation JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's new Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro Jakti said on Thursday he would focus on job creation to expedite economic recovery. He said implementation of the fiscal decentralization policy and reducing the country's massive foreign debts were also among his top priorities.

Legislators pledge support for new Cabinet

Legislators pledge support for new Cabinet JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of the House of Representatives (DPR) and People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) threw their weight behind the new gotong royong (mutual help) Cabinet under President Megawati Soekarnoputri. House Speaker Akbar Tandjung assured that the Cabinet had the full support of the legislature while MPR speaker Amien Rais praised the new Cabinet lineup as "highly positive".

1. Duit (2 x 25)

1. Duit (2 x 25) Asian currencies mixed late, rupiah surges to 10-month high 2. Market ( 1 x 35) Key Asian markets skid after U.S. report 3. Gold (1 x 35) Platinum plunges again, gold steady JP/11/Gold 4. Oil ( 2 x 22) Oil slips as concerns for world economy return JP/11/Oil 5. Kurang ( 1 x 18) South Korea to fully repay IMF loan soon

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting, Ceramics Paul Husner, F. Widayanto, Galeri Minima - Maxima, Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda 88D, Arteri Pondok Indah (Phone: 7207171, 7209009), 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., until Aug. 23. * Painting by Alfi, Galeri Lontar, Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Phone: 8573388), 8 p.m., until Aug. 23. * Photo: The Long and Winding Road East Timor, by Eddy Hasby, Bentara Budaya Jakarta, Jl. Palmerah Selatan no. 17, Central Jakarta (Phone: 5483008 ext.

JP/5/Riswandha

JP/5/Riswandha Megawati juggles need for professionals, appeasing opponents Lecturer in politics Riswandha Imawan of the Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta looks at the result of what he says is a careful balance in the new, "transitional" Cabinet composition. Question: How do you view the Cabinet lineup? Answer: It clearly shows President Megawati Soekarnoputri's careful effort to place figures that pose a low threat of resistance from among the public.