Megawati lauds Howard, stays mum over Susilo
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
President Megawati Soekarnoputri congratulated Australian Prime Minister John Howard on his victory in the Oct. 9 election, but has so far refrained from congratulating Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who defeated her in the presidential election last month.
Underlining the procedure was a common diplomatic practice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Director General of Protocol and Consular Affairs Djoko Hardono said the President sent a diplomatic note welcoming Howard's fourth term on Monday morning.
Megawati, however, has been silent about her former minister Susilo despite mounting calls, including from her loyalists, for her to openly concede defeat and congratulate him.
The only statement she made came on Oct. 5 during a ceremony marking the Indonesian Military (TNI)'s anniversary, when she asked the nation to accept whoever won the polls.
Susilo has repeatedly said that he would like to see Megawati to ensure a smooth transition between the outgoing and incoming administrations, but to no avail.
Separately on Monday, senior members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) urged Megawati to hold talks with president-elect Susilo to help the transfer of power go ahead peacefully.
Underlining that Megawati, who also leads the party, has to set an example for the country's future leaders, the senior politicians suggested that she put her personal problems aside and act in a statesman-like fashion.
"This is the first time that we have experienced a peaceful transition of power. She has to establish a basic protocol that requires an outgoing president to formally meet the president- elect to discuss the transition," Mochtar Buchori said on Monday.
He hailed the planned informal meeting between Susilo and the family of founding president Sukarno, but said it should be followed by formal talks between Megawati and Susilo.
Earlier, Megawati's brother, Guruh Soekarnoputra, said he would host an informal meeting between members of Sukarno's family and Susilo.
Another PDI-P member, Sukawaluyo Mintoraharjo, concurred, saying communication between the incoming and outgoing presidents was needed.
A source told The Jakarta Post that Megawati was reluctant to meet Susilo, due to the fact that Susilo was her former minister and had gained much popularity serving in her administration.
He said Megawati was disappointed with Susilo for also leaving the Cabinet without directly informing Megawati in advance that he would contest the election while he was still a member of the Cabinet.
"It's not easy for Megawati to accept the things that happened between them. Although for the nation's sake she should do it," the source told the Post.
Megawati's inner circle is currently trying to persuade her to accommodate Susilo's request and hold a formal meeting to discuss various matters of state.