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