Minister's political maturity

Minister's political maturity

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-
Jakti categorically denied that he had tended his resignation to
President Megawati, stressing that there was no point in his
resigning under current economic circumstances.

Minister Dorodjatun must have been longing for the days when
he was a university professor, when brainstorming sessions at the
campus were conducted in a "polite" way, using only scientific
jargon.

Or he may have been accustomed, in his capacity as the
Indonesian ambassador to the United States before assuming his
present Cabinet post, to dealing with reports that were presented
in a more civilized (ie. bureaucratic) fashion.

No wonder that the harsh criticism he is at present receiving
about his economic team's performance, mostly unfair and ignorant
of the global situation, and local party political or even
personal animosity, are things his refined and educated sinews
are incapable of withstanding.

Dorodjatun has never had the essential baptism of fire of the
true politician, who can turn a deaf ear to criticism leveled at
him by legislators, expert commentators or watchdogs. In spite of
this, he should at least have the courage to defend his
principles, produce counterarguments using blunt political
language, and mature politically in the process.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta