Reshuffling the Cabinet is not the answer

Reshuffling the Cabinet is not the answer

The issue of a Cabinet reshuffle has been gaining in strength
lately. The reason is the delay of aid by the International
Monetary Fund (IMF), which believes that the Indonesian
government lacks sincerity in implementing the 43 points agreed
upon in a letter of intent signed by Coordinating Minister for
the Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie, who has been
widely held responsible for this delay.

Is Kwik then going to be replaced? This question is being
widely asked of late. The problem, however, is not whether he
will be replaced, but concerns doubts surrounding the
government's policies in tackling the economic crisis.

President Abdurrahman Wahid himself is busy making
counterproductive maneuvers of his own. Some extraordinary
statements he has made have caused the market to react
negatively. The market also feels that the President is putting
greater priority on political measures than on economic ones.
Abdurrahman's visit to a number of African and Latin American
countries -- after only a fortnight ago barring his ministers
from traveling overseas -- also signals his lack of attention to
this country's economic problems, which need mending most
urgently.

The answer to the question of how to mend the economy, then,
is not a Cabinet reshuffle, but Abdurrahman's adroitness in
leading his economic team in resolving those existing problems.
That -- and not publicly blaming his ministers -- should be the
President's main task.

-- Republika, Jakarta