Agum pledge to reunite Gus Dur and Megawati

JAKARTA (JP): After being sworn into his new position on Tuesday, Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Agum Gumelar cautiously affirmed his determination to help bridge the political divide between President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Agum, who was previously the minister of communications, said he would do his best to reconcile the two leaders' differences.

He stressed that a harmonious relationship between Abdurrahman and Megawati was crucial for the nation.

With less than two months before a special session of the People's Consultative Assembly, Agum refused to speculate on the likely success of his efforts.

"I will try as hard as possible to approach them," Agum said after attending a ceremony for the appointment of four Cabinet members at the State Palace.

Agum, who was a Cabinet minister under former president B.J. Habibie, repeated his pledge later on Tuesday afternoon, following a handover ceremony with his predecessor Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Abdurrahman has publicly said that he appointed Agum to the coordinating post in the hope that Agum would be able to negotiate a reconciliation between him and Megawati.

The widening political gap between the two leaders is seen by many as continuing to exacerbate the national crisis.

"Every problem has its own obstacle and opportunity, and we need to be cautious," Agum replied when asked by reporters about his task.

When pressed further Agum remarked: "Insya Allah (God's willing)".

Agum is widely regarded as being relatively close to Megawati, mainly because of his role in helping the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) when it was facing intense political pressure from the administration of president Soeharto in 1993.

Agum, like Susilo, is a retired Army officer. They have both relinquished active duty as regulations now prohibit active military officers from holding civilian posts.

Both men were awarded honorary promotions, to the rank of general, upon retirement.

When queried about his relationship with Megawati, Agum replied: "I'm not a member of any political party, but I thank you if you call me a PDI Perjuangan member," referring to the party which Megawati chairs.

Asked to comment on the executive order mandating the coordinating minister to take measures to restore security amid potential outbreaks of violence, Agum was wary in his response, saying that he needed to consult the President.

Later in the evening, at a welcoming and farewell gathering also attended by Susilo, Agum appealed for all political parties to put aside their individual interests.

"Many political parties speak about the national interest, but in reality they pursue their own. That is what makes the nation's problems unsolvable."

He urged all parties to "be more serious" in putting aside their respective agendas and finding a common solution.

"If not, then Indonesia will fall apart!" (dja/prb)