A Cabinet reshuffle?
A Cabinet reshuffle?
Grievances about the ineffectiveness of President Abdurrahman
Wahid's two-month-old administration have been growing louder
lately.
There has been no indignation on the public's part concerning
the complaints, because the public's initial expectations of the
government -- which was formed in the midst of the crippling
economic crisis and the threat of national disintegration, and
which was seen as being the first legitimate government the
country had ever had -- have been dashed.
During his administration's two months of existence,
Abdurrahman has welcomed criticism and appealed for foreign
support by visiting many parts of the globe. But his
administration's activities have failed to boost the people's
optimism, and has in most likelihood confused most.
A closer look at the situation will reveal that the
administration was in trouble right at conception. Dubbed the
National Unity Cabinet, it was born deformed. Its birth was
assisted by at least four midwives, comprising Abdurrahman and
Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, People's Consultative
Assembly Speaker Amien Rais and former military commander Gen.
Wiranto. These people of course have different interests and
philosophies. Individual ministers were selected from political
parties with representatives in the House of Representatives.
Each party played a role in Abdurrahman's election as president.
Another feature of the Cabinet's formation was that some of
the ministers were picked in an effort to placate restive
provinces. By choosing this method, the midwives ignored the
standard tradition of choosing ministers who the President
considered knowledgeable and trustworthy, as well as whether they
were capable of doing their jobs and forging cooperation.
These days it is discouraging for the public to witness the
administration's inability to address the devastating problems
left by the Soeharto regime and how the ministers seem unable, or
unwilling, to cooperate with each other. Some people have said
that Gus Dur, as the President is popularly called, has an
uncommon style but tragically lacks a deep sense of crisis and of
priorities.
In this situation, many people argue that a Cabinet shuffle is
imperative. In its present form, the Cabinet is no answer to
Indonesia's problems. It definitely needs an overhaul.
Ironically, rumors doing the rounds about a Cabinet reshuffle
are apparently based on snippets coming from the palace. Can the
presidential office spread gossip? It is possible since it seems
to have become part of the game. And remember that despite the
fast democratization drive, rumors still replace modern
communication here. And it is Gus Dur's style to generate public
speculation before he does something.
If hearing is believing, a Cabinet reshuffle will take place
after the Muslim post-fasting holiday of Idul Fitri, which is
this coming weekend. In this era of reform, nine ministers are
under scrutiny, and foremost among them is Coordinating Minister
for Political Affairs and Security Gen. Wiranto, who clearly
belongs to the previous despotic regime.
When Gus Dur really sits down to shake up his Cabinet, he
should reflect and realize that he also needs to change his style
before it is too late. Otherwise he may end up becoming his own
worst enemy.
After that he can enjoy the freedom to select the figures he
knows and trusts best and with whom he shares the same vision. He
will also have to forget about rewarding the groupings who helped
him become president, because such underhanded dealings belong to
the past.
A best case scenario would be one in which the people could
understand that the Cabinet reserved seats only for members of
Abdurrahman's National Awakening Party (PKB), Megawati's
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle and perhaps veteran
kingmaker Amien Rias' National Mandate Party (PAN). Golkar,
Soeharto's former political tool, and other parties should not
bury their heads in the sand but should take the initiative by
forging a healthy opposition group to prove that democracy is
really at work here.