Cabinet silent on crucial meet

Cabinet silent on crucial meet

JAKARTA: For the first time since the establishment of
Megawati's administration in August, journalists were kept in the
dark by Cabinet spokespeople after a crucial meeting, which was
convened to discuss the amendment on investment laws.

"There is not a single consensus that we achieved so we are
not going to give any press statement," Coordinating Minister for
Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on
Monday, while rushing to his car.

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-
Jakti, went straight to his car after the meeting, looking
irritated and refusing to say anything to journalists, who had
been waiting several hours for a report on the meeting.

Other ministers that attended the meeting -- Minister of
Finance Boediono, Minister of Trade and Industry Rini Suwandi and
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resource Purnomo Yusgiantoro --
also departed hastily without a word.

"None of the ministers said anything? Well...," State
Secretary/Cabinet Secretary Bambang Kesowo told reporters, as he
walked past them to his office. --JP