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