Agum installed to replace Susilo

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)