Political maneuverings affect the economy

Political maneuverings affect the economy

Factions in the House of Representatives, particularly those
of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle and Golkar, have
been busily maneuvering lately. What binds them together is
common interests such as the recent dismissal of state minister
of investment and state enterprises development Laksamana Sukardi
and the minister of industry and trade, Yusuf Kalla, who is
prominent member of Golkar. Another factor that brings them
together is dissatisfaction with the government's performance,
especially in economic matters.

It is not clear at this point what the actual objective of all
this maneuvering is -- a stratagem in which the Axis Force is
also playing a part. That may only become clear in another month
or two. Whatever happens until then could, therefore, still help
determine what form that final objective will take. One
speculation is that President Abdurrahman Wahid will be removed
from his position on grounds of inability to overcome this
nation's many difficulties.

This kind of speculation obviously is not very encouraging for
the money market and investors. Under such conditions, the rise
of a more conducive situation is very much dependent on the
actions of the members of our political elite. As long as they
continue to put their party's or group's interests first, our
economy will be unfavorably affected.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta