Agum installed to replace Susilo
JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid installed on Saturday former communications minister Agum Gumelar as the new Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs, in the absence of Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Agum's predecessor Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto.
A deputy secretary-general of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), Pramono Anung, said that Megawati's absence was a result of poor coordination between her and the President.
Meanwhile, an employee at Susilo's residence said that Agum's predecessor failed to attend the ceremony because: "We heard (from unofficial sources) about the inauguration just hours before it was held. We had to check with the palace if the news was true. After waiting until 30 minutes before the ceremony, we received no invitation (from the palace). Then he (Susilo) decided to attend a family gathering."
A similar reason was also voiced at Endriartono's residence. "I guess it is a holiday. Bapak is staying at home since there is no invitation to attend that important event," a staff member said in a telephone interview on Saturday.
In his introductory speech, the President expressed his gratitude to Susilo, who he said had worked hard to maintain security and peace in the country.
"Bapak Agum Gumelar has diplomatic skills and strong influence in the TNI (Indonesian Military), the key factors to maintaining security in the country," Abdurrahman said.
Present at Agum's inauguration were, among others, TNI chief Adm. Widodo AS and National Police chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro.
Bimantoro was among those who left the palace soon after Agum's induction, skipping the induction of Deputy National Police chief Comr. Gen. Chaeruddin, when the President declared that he (Bimantoro) was non-active.
Earlier on Friday, the President reshuffled his Cabinet, including the replacement of Attorney General Marzuki Darusman.
Agum was the only new minister installed on Saturday, while the other ministers and the new Attorney General will reportedly be officially appointed on Tuesday.
"Why should you congratulate me? It is a hot plate that I have received," Agum said when The Jakarta Post congratulated him before leaving his residence for the palace.
Agum said after the ceremony that neither Megawati nor senior TNI officers were opposed to him accepting his new position.
He refused to be interviewed, promising to talk to the press after the transfer of duties, scheduled for Tuesday.
However, when intercepted by reporters after the ceremony, Agum said, "What Pak Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono achieved was excellent. I have to continue (his initiatives)."
Asked whether he would take a similar stance as Susilo did regarding the President's planned issuance of an edict to declare a state of emergency, Agum, a former chief of the Army's Special Force (Kopassus) said: "I have to analyze my job description in the next few days."
Observers believe that Agum is now in a difficult situation.
Minister of Defense Moh. Mahfud MD said in Yogyakarta on Saturday that Agum, with his background as Kopassus' former chief, was a professional soldier who could execute firm and repressive action when required.
"He may be more suited to holding the post in such a situation. Maybe the President needed a person who was tougher, faster and stronger (than Susilo)," Mahfud said. (02/23/imn)