Jakarta's double act

Jakarta's double act

Peace should return to the streets of Indonesia now that the
"mother of the nation", Megawati Sukarnoputri, has been elected
vice-president in Abdurrahman Wahid's government.

Once little more than a symbolic position, the post must be
regarded as pivotal, given the five-year term of office and the
poor health of Mr. Wahid, said sometimes to fall asleep in mid-
conversation.

But power has proved a potent medicine for leaders in the
past, and the new president has plenty of international goodwill
to start him on his task. His election has been welcomed globally
and, with Ms. Megawati's supporters appeased by her selection,
the two could become the team needed to restore Indonesia to the
basics of unity and social justice.

Still, a great deal needs to be settled before the country is
back on track. For example, who will run the government?

It needs a chief operating officer and capable administrators
to deal with day-to-day cabinet business, exploiting the
enthusiasm for continued openness and change which they inherit.

The president will need such help as he expands on reforms
begun under Bacharuddin Habibie and embarks on government changes
to which he is personally committed.

These include the difficult task of reducing the army's
political role. Defense Minister General Wiranto remains a figure
to be reckoned with, and he has said the army should remain in
politics. There may well be a battle ahead on this front.

However, foreign investment should be easier to attract with a
moderate, democratic leader and a hugely popular if untried vice-
president as a unifying force.

Because neither Mr. Wahid nor Ms. Megawati were cronies of
ousted President Suharto, their partnership keeps alive the goals
of reform and change. As old friends, they should be able to work
in harmony.

Ms. Megawati clearly is less enthusiastic about such things as
granting additional autonomy to troubled provinces, but she has
shown pragmatism in the past. If this flexibility can continue,
Indonesia will be well served by this week's elections.

-- The South China Morning Post, Hong Kong