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