Ministers' teamwork lacking

Ministers' teamwork lacking

From Jurnal Indonesia

Reports that President Abdurrahman Wahid was planning to buy a presidential aircraft like Air Force One of the United States have come as a great shock because our country is still in a devastated condition. Gus Dur, the nickname of Abdurrahman Wahid, is indeed noted for his penchant for strange things. Fortunately, he has aborted this plan.

In connection with this cancellation, it is interesting to note that two ministers in the cabinet have made contradictory statements about the planned purchase of the aircraft. Rizal Ramli, the coordinating minister for economy, agreed to the plan while Prijadi, the finance minister, rejected the idea, saying that the government could not afford a presidential aircraft.

Strange indeed. Two ministers are contradictory to each other. Doesn't this show a lack of coordination and communication between them? So, what is the difference between the new cabinet and the old one?

In this context, it was surprising to find Rizal Ramli showing complete obedience to the president. Prijadi, considered by many as one close to the president, was better for rejecting the idea.

ZAIRIL JAMBAK

Jakarta