Ministers' party loyalty

Ministers' party loyalty

The newly formed gotong royong (mutual help) Cabinet, under
the leadership of President Megawati Soekarnoputri, is enjoying
full support of the House of Representatives. Some of the major
challenges facing the present administration are the eradication
of long-standing poverty and unemployment, afflicting some 30 to
40 million people. Megawati's Cabinet consists mainly of
experienced professionals, particularly those in charge of the
economy. Some have called the economic ministers a "dream team"
expected to produce magic.

The big question, however, is whether the ministers' loyalty
to their respective parties will be greater than their loyalty to
the country, hence their services to the nation will be less
genuine.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta