New ministers look ahead

New ministers look ahead

Minister of Defense Juwono Soedarsono:

In 1995 I wrote an article about the dawn of the era of a
civil society, and suggested that civilians should hold key
government positions then held by members of the military.

Change must come gradually. I hope to put more civilians in
the top echelons of the ministry.

I see myself as a transitional minister. I will handle policy,
management and draw up the ministry's vision. The military people
will take care of technical matters.

Attorney General Marzuki Darusman:

I cannot really talk about what my priorities are in this new
job. I need to meet some people first to discuss the position.

(A celebrated case bound to come to his attention is the
corruption investigation into former president Soeharto, which
was terminated by then president B.J. Habibie early this month.
"That didn't reflect any sense of justice," he said.)

Minister of Finance Bambang Sudibyo:

This is a great responsibility indeed. My immediate task is to
"wash the dirty dishes" left by past administrations.

I am optimistic the economy will pick up now that we have
settled the major political issues. The market has certainly
reacted positively to the news of the Cabinet.

I count the banking restructurization program among my most
challenging tasks. The government will honor outstanding
agreements with the IMF and other financial institutions.

Minister of Manpower Bomer Pasaribu:

This is a noble task for me because I have spent my career
working on labor issues.

Our goal is full employment and hence our policies should be
geared toward job creation. With 6.1 million people out of work,
unemployment in Indonesia is a serious problem.

The way to create more jobs is to accelerate economic
recovery. Every 1 percent of economic growth could mean up to
500,000 new jobs.

State Minister of Research and Technology A.S. Hikam:

This was a surprise appointment because up until yesterday, I
was told that I would become education minister. Politics is very
unpredictable.

Research and technology is crucial to ensure Indonesia's
competitiveness, but it is also costly. I don't know whether we
can operate effectively under the current economic conditions.

I will try to coordinate all existing research activities.

Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare and Poverty
Eradication Hamzah Haz:

Development of human resources and health innovations are two
main objectives of my new office. However, all development
programs ultimately will depend on the availability of funds.

Minister of Forestry and Plantations Nur Mahmudi Ismail:

I can't say that I'm happy, because the job is a mandate.

I will consolidate the personnel of the ministry, strengthen
morale and attitudes and secure their commitment to manage the
country's natural resources in the public interest.

State Minister of Human Rights Hasballah M. Saad:

I pray to God that I will be able to perform my duties. I
can't say anymore about the job before I talk to the President.

Human rights violations are not only found in Aceh. They are
in Ambon, East Timor, Irian Jaya and even Jakarta.

Human rights are important for Indonesia's image. But no
foreign country has the right to intervene in Indonesia. We won't
let any country dictate to us.

State Minister of Regional Autonomy Ryaas Rasyid:

I question the need to appoint a minister for regional
autonomy because it has always come under the Ministry of Home
Affairs. I accept this task although I know it will be a very
tough one. I have to start something that remains ambiguous.

State Minister of Transmigration and Population Al. Hilal
Hamdi:

I am not surprised that my name was on the Cabinet's list
because I have been communicating regularly with Gus Dur.

My first step in the job will be consolidation with all senior
officials to discuss all transmigration and population programs.

Minister of Mines and Energy Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono:

I did no maneuvering for a Cabinet post, so the announcement
came as a surprise. This is a mandate given to me by the
President and the people. I will try to learn quickly to gain an
understanding of the ministry's problems and do the best job I
can.

Minister of Industry and Trade Jusuf Kalla:

My first priority is to develop the real sector and services
because they affect people's income and welfare.

Coordination with other sectors is important. If our industry
and trade sectors are not working smoothly, we will have more
unemployment, and people's purchasing power will decline.

My immediate priority is to fulfill the basic food needs for
Christmas, New Year and the Idul Fitri holidays.

State Minister of Public Works Rafik Boediro Soetjipto:

I think my office will focus on formulating concepts for
implementation by regional administrations. Regional autonomy has
to be thorough, and the public works sector is no exception.

My job will include investigating irregularities in the
office. But I guarantee that regional autonomy will automatically
minimize the likelihood of irregularities.

Minister of Transportation Agum Gumelar:

This is an entirely new area for me, so give me time to learn
and analyze my main tasks. I will not give up my military career
before my time is up.

Minister of Maritime Exploration Sarwono Kusumaatmadja:

The first thing I will do is promote the new paradigm of
Indonesia as an archipelago rather than a continental country.
Our waters are rich with natural resources which can generate as
much as 10 percent of gross domestic product.

I will empower people in tapping maritime resources and change
their attitude towards the sea.

I need all the help I can get in this job.

Minister of Home Affairs Surjadi Soedirdja:

My first concern is to deal with the seeds of disintegration
and to promote democracy. I will have to resolve the unrest in
several regions, and I will have to promote the concept of
regional autonomy.

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mahadi Sinambela:

I will be counting on the senior staff in the office to brief
me about my work. I have a lot to learn about sports, because my
area of expertise is really in youth affairs.

Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin, speaking by
phone from Washington, D.C.:

My goal is to ensure everyone gets equal opportunities in
education. I will bring the quality of education outside Java up
to par. I will give greater autonomy and independence to state
universities nationwide. I will improve the quality of all
private universities. (02/05/44/04)