Kalla supports Boediono's entry to Cabinet

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Despite differences on some issues, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla are of the same opinion that calling up former minister Boediono back to the Cabinet is needed to boost the government's performance in the economic field.

While it remains unclear which ministerial post Boediono will hold, presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng said on Saturday the Cabinet reshuffle would be announced at the State Palace in the presence of both the President and Vice President.

"It's a state event which requires the attendance of both the President and Vice President," Andi said. "The President will wait for the Vice President (to announce the reshuffle)."

Susilo retreated to his private residence in the Cikeas area near Bogor, West Java, on Saturday, while Kalla was still in Surabaya after opening the Association of Chinese Indonesian Muslims (PITI) conference on Friday night.

In a press conference at Polonia Airport in Medan on Friday, Susilo said he would unveil the new Cabinet lineup in the next two or three days.

A source close to the President said Boediono's appointment had been privately discussed between Susilo and Kalla, who also chairs the Golkar Party, which controls the largest number of seats in the House of Representatives.

One of Kalla's aides said the Vice President immediately supported Susilo's choice of Boediono, saying the market would accept the former finance minister's comeback.

The aide would not confirm if Susilo had specifically discussed with Kalla which ministerial post would suit Boediono.

Boediono is known as among the architects of the country's quick rebound after the financial crisis in 1997. Both Boediono and Susilo served as ministers in the previous government.

The National Mandate Party (PAN) and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), two strategic allies of Susilo, have expressed support for Boediono's appointment.

PAN leader Soetrisno Bachir said Boediono had "passed the tests" and was an ideal choice for the finance minister's post. "He's very prudent and has achievements," said Soetrisno.

With the Cabinet reshuffle drawing near, Golkar expressed hopes the President would accept the party's nomination of Gorontalo Governor Fadel Muhammad as a minister.

"Fadel is one of Golkar's best members. He has led Gorontalo to fast growth," said Golkar deputy chairman Agung Laksono, quoted by Antara, during a visit to the province.

Agung refused to specify which ministerial post would suit Fadel, who is a former businessman, saying "the placement is the right of the President and Vice President."

Boediono made his first public appearance since the President unveiled his possible recruitment to the Cabinet when he addressed Indonesian Science Academy scholars on economic stabilization measures on Saturday.

Boediono said harmony between economic and political policies, a cohesive and competent economic team, and good governance were among the conditions the country required to obtain economic stability.