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)