Cabinet members to forsake state duty for party

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono downplayed on Wednesday his recently publicized disgruntlement with President Megawati Soekarnoputri, and said he would remain and continue his duties as a member of her Cabinet.

"I have cleared some concerns with the President as to why I wasn't invited to several meetings, including those on electoral preparations. Frankly, it was nothing serious," Susilo said on the sidelines of a discussion held by the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas).

He did not say when he met Megawati or what reasons the President gave in regards his concerns.

Susilo's malcontent was brought to light last week when a ministerial staffer disclosed his boss' complaint over his exclusion from several important meetings held at the presidential palace and Megawati's official residence on Jl. Teuku Umar, Central Jakarta.

Susilo said on Wednesday that he was still in China when the President invited relevant ministries under his supervision to a meeting on electoral preparations, which resulted in a plan to visit several provinces, including Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam.

"I did not receive an invitation, even when these state officials made the visits. Some asked me whether I felt isolated. I said no, but of course, I needed to seek a clarification from the President, so I did," Susilo said.

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) senior executive and Megawati's husband Taufik Kiemas slammed the retired Army general on Tuesday, calling him "childish" for "having complained to the media about his problems in the Cabinet, instead of going to the President".

Earlier, the PDI-P had criticized Susilo's appearance on TV commercial spots making an appeal for a peaceful election in his capacity as the top security minister.

PDI-P deputy secretary-general Pramono Anung said the ads had violated political ethics because "Susilo has ... a political interest, as he plans to run for president".

Indonesia will hold its first ever direct presidential election on July 5, and Susilo has been tipped as one of the strongest contenders.

Demands for Susilo's resignation have been voiced by the PDI-P camp since September, following rumors about the minister's informal meeting with former president BJ Habibie in Germany en route to the United States to an antiterrorism summit.

The meeting sparked anger among party executives, who suggested to Megawati that she dismiss Susilo on the grounds that the German trip did not fall within his state duties.

Meanwhile, Vice President Hamzah Haz underlined that none of the incumbent ministers were being sidelined, as the government expected these ministers to fulfill their state duties.

"If Susilo felt that he was being isolated, he should have gone to the President and discussed it," Hamzah said.