No hard feelings as Susilo meets Taufik in Palembang
No hard feelings as Susilo meets Taufik in Palembang
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
After more than a year, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono found on Tuesday
the right moment to thank Taufik Kiemas, the husband of former
president Megawati Soekarnoputri, who played a major role in
Susilo's rise to power, however, quite by accident.
Taufik's chiding of Susilo's "childishness" back in March
2004, when the latter was the chief security minister in
Megawati's Cabinet, changed the course of the rivalry for the
presidency. Taufik was responding to Susilo's complaint at that
time about his being sidelined in several crucial Cabinet
meetings.
The criticism from Taufik proved to be a blessing in disguise
for Susilo as his popularity skyrocketed afterwards. The first
direct presidential election suited a rising star like Susilo,
whose popularity eclipsed Megawati.
Susilo routed Megawati in the first round and extended his
winning margin in the second round of the presidential election.
Before Tuesday, Susilo and Taufik had not met since the name-
calling incident.
Antara reported that the two got together as the President
inaugurated the renovated Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II
international airport in Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra.
They shook hands, but no conversation took place.
On the podium, however, Susilo openly hailed Taufik, a noted
figure in Palembang.
"Thanks to his (Taufik's) assistance, we can expect more
development in Palembang and South Sumatra," Susilo said in his
speech.
The President also praised his predecessor Megawati for
initiating the renovation of the airport in November 2003.
Susilo described Taufik as a national figure, who had done a
lot to develop the city and asked him to help the government
promote water tourism there.
Though Susilo finally had a chance to show Taufik he had no
hard feelings, a meeting with Megawati has eluded him so far.
Soon after the General Elections Commission announced his
victory, Susilo asked Megawati for a consultation meeting, but
she never responded.
Megawati, instead, has joined fellow former president
Abdurrahman Wahid, former House speaker Akbar Tandjung and former
military chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto in opposing the current
government policies, particularly on fuel and Aceh.