Megawati makes good
Megawati makes good
It was never on the cards for Indonesian President Megawati
Sukarnoputri to appoint a cabinet of politicians who brought no
political baggage with them. There are too many debts owed for
past favors to hope for a wholly uncomplicated line-up. But she
has allayed the worst predictions of the doomsayers.
The list was a long time in coming, pointing to some difficult
personal decisions as well as customary behind-the-scenes horse
trading by the various political factions that make up the
Indonesian Parliament. But international investors will be
encouraged by the inclusion of highly professional technocrats
charged with reviving the shattered economy, and that takes
priority over the other mammoth problems awaiting the attention
of the enigmatic new leader.
The appointment of Dorodjatun Kuntjoro Jakti as Coordinating
Minister for the Economy is an encouraging start. Mr. Kuntjoro-
Jakti is an academic with little administrative experience, but
more importantly he is market-friendly, and believed to favor
increased privatization. He should work well alongside Finance
Minister Boediono, known for his integrity and professionalism.
With Laksamana Sukardi, another highly respected economics guru
as State Minister of State Enterprises, there is genuine scope
for solving -- at any rate alleviating Indonesia's financial
woes.
Inevitably, a few names take some of the shine off the list.
Ms. Megawati has made no secret of her commitment to unity. It is
hoped her choice of military hardliner Hari Sabarno to head the
ministry of Home Affairs does not signal an intention to put the
genie back in the bottle over regional independence. That would
be a recipe for more chaos.
Overall the President will earn praise for her wise decisions.
In particular the appointment of U.S.-educated Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono as Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security.
Given cross-party support it is just possible Ms. Megawati can
steer the country out of its long-running crisis. The task facing
her is monumental, but she might yet prove to be a leader of the
same stamp as her father.
-- South China Morning Post, Hong Kong