Ryaas believes Gus Dur will OK his resignation

JAKARTA (JP): State Minister for Administrative Reforms Ryaas Rasyid hinted on Saturday that there should not be a problem with his resignation proposal as both President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri had likely endorsed the request.

"There will be no more surprises," Ryaas told reporters prior to the funeral ceremony of two of the nine fatalities of Monday's plane crash in Irian Jaya -- the late Trikora Military commander Maj. Gen. Tonny A. Rompis and head of Irian Jaya Prosecutor's Office Bismar Mannu -- at the Kalibata national hero cemetery in South Jakarta on Saturday.

"Mbak Mega understands the arguments that I have given to her. It seems to me that there have been no differences between her and Gus Dur in viewing my proposal," Ryaas said while referring to the Vice President and President by their nicknames.

Earlier on Friday, Ryaas met Megawati at the Vice Presidential Palace, informing her of his proposal to quit his cabinet post.

In an effort to give Megawati the "most valid" information about his resignation, Ryaas had previously planned to meet her at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in East Jakarta upon her arrival from a 12-day overseas trip on Jan. 9.

"But, someone asked me to cancel my plans to meet Megawati there (at the airport).

"He told me that my presence that night could influence Megawati's decision. That's why you couldn't see me among the state officials who welcomed Mbak Mega at Halim," Ryaas said.

He said that the Vice President was initially reluctant to let him quit on the grounds that the move might shake the cabinet.

"But after listening to my explanation, Mbak Mega can understand, like Gus Dur, who I believe will be wiser in responding to (my resignation proposal)," Ryaas said with a smile.

"I guess, my resignation will not be the reason for them to reshuffle the cabinet or to set up a new cabinet," Ryaas said.

He said that while waiting for the President's answer, he has quitted performing day-to-day duties at his office.

"It's standard procedure. I will not be present at the next Cabinet meeting, either," Ryaas said.

When asked why the President had likely delayed responding to his proposal, Ryaas said it was only a matter of time.

"Perhaps, he (the President) will announce his decision after he comes back from Singapore," Ryaas said.

In the middle of increasing tension between Indonesia and Singapore, Gus Dur will visit the neighboring country on Monday to witness the signing of an agreement under which Singapore will purchase natural gas through a pipeline from Indonesia. (02)