Sat, 11 Aug 2001

Allow the cabinet to do its work

Megawati's Cabinet could be solid because almost all elements in society are represented. This could prove to be of vital importance because experience has taught us that the absence of an absolute majority in the national legislature is giving politics in this country the character of a parliamentary system. The issue of representation is thus of decisive importance in guaranteeing the continuity of the Cabinet and of the government's policies.

What is especially heartening is that, in general, the stance of the Cabinet's ministers with regard to their respective areas of responsibility is already known by the public. This should facilitate internal coordination within the Cabinet and help the government to achieve its policy targets. This, at least, is true with regard to the economic team.

As for the public, the hope is that the government does not concern itself with trivial issues, since the important thing now is how to get out of the crisis. Much time has already been lost on unfocused issues. This nation is now standing on the brink of chaos because the members of its elite are concerned only with themselves. It is time that we woke up.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta