Habibie's precarious position

It is becoming increasingly clear that members of the nation's political elite are now too busy preparing their own respective political agendas... to think about attempting any breakthroughs to improve the economy. Ironically, there are many who believe that it will be impossible to restore the economy until a definite national political agenda is established.

Under such circumstances, it will be difficult for the government to overcome the economic crisis. At the same time, unless the government can achieve a meaningful (economic) breakthrough, it will be difficult for Habibie to gain public support, much less accomplish his own political agenda.

The power struggle that will take place at (the ruling grouping) Golkar's congress next month will provide the first test of whether he has the necessary political support. Golkar, after all, is at this moment still formally a major force that is capable of influencing the national political map.

Without professing to be able to predict what will happen within Golkar, however, we can say that there is no reason for Habibie to be pessimistic. If, during his term, he can bring about the desired positive changes in a number of political and economic laws, as he has promised, people will note the feat as a most important achievement.

Habibie is racing against time. Nevertheless, as one who, according to (East Timor) Bishop Belo, is a dynamic and very open person, it may be expected that he will be able to make a significant contribution toward change, however brief his term in office.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta