Difficult days ahead?

Rumors of a possible Cabinet reshuffle, constantly rejected by President Abdurrahman Wahid in the past few days, have been answered. The President asked State Minister of Investment and State Enterprises Development Laksamana Sukardi (who was from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle) and Minister of Industry and Trade Yusuf Kalla (Golkar Party) to resign because they were unable to commit themselves to the coherence of the National Unity Cabinet, especially its economic team.

The President's decision, coming at a time of economic and political instability, was a shock and carried considerable political risks. The reason for the two ministers' dismissal is highly debatable. Is it true the two were unable to maintain the Cabinet's coherence, or is Gus Dur (President Abdurrahman Wahid) playing out some other scenario that has nothing to do with economic recovery?

The actual problem lies not with the two ministers concerned, but with the ability of the President -- who is responsible for the management of the state as its highest executive authority -- to lead and give directions to his ministers. Up to this moment we have not seen any serious effort made by the President to set his economic priorities.

In any case, the President has made his decision, although it does not in any way assure a better economic recovery. It could even have the adverse effect of further impairing the economy. All the more so since the replacement was done in consideration of political interests more than ability.

The coming days could be difficult. The people -- who initially supported the current government bearing the label of "legitimate" -- are anxiously awaiting what will come next.

-- Republika, Jakarta