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.