SBY's Cabinet coming soon

Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is preparing himself for a busy time forming his administration after the Constitutional Court declared him the undisputed winner of the presidential election on Thursday.

Susilo said he and his running mate Jusuf Kalla had been trying, to no avail thus far, to consult with outgoing president Megawati Soekarnoputri to ensure a peaceful transition period before taking office on Oct. 20.

"With the Constitutional Court declaring the election result final, we will be able to move forward to form the government, select Cabinet members, determine our program in the first 100 days and, God willing, build communication with Ibu (Megawati) to enable the transition period to run peacefully," Susilo said on Thursday after visiting the grave of the country's first vice president Mohammad Hatta at Tanah Kusir cemetery in South Jakarta.

Most of the transfers of power in the country's history have been less than smooth.

Susilo's statement came despite the fact that Megawati had not openly conceded defeat.

"Communication is important because the problem now is not concerned with Ibu Megawati, but democracy and the future of the nation and people," Susilo said.

Susilo has been waiting for a meeting with Megawati for talks on various state issues and strategic policies that his administration should pursue. Megawati has not given a sign as to whether the meeting would materialize.

Megawati, whose defeat was announced by the General Elections Commission on Monday, had until Thursday at 4:20 p.m. to contest the election result with the Constitutional Court, but she did not.

"Even if we cannot hold talks with Ibu Megawati, we will go ahead with our plan because after October 20 the mandate will be in our hands. We don't want to dissatisfy the people who have put their trust in us," he said.

Susilo did not go into detail about the way he would form his Cabinet, but one advisor, Suko Sudarso, explained that the president-elect would invite candidates for the 32 ministerial posts to his private residence in Bogor beginning Sunday.

Suko said Susilo would appoint a coordinating minister for justice and legislation in addition to the three existing coordinating minister posts; for the economy, political and security affairs and people's welfare.

"Beginning from Oct. 10, Pak Susilo will not receive guests in his residence other than those who are officially invited to come for an interview with him," Suko said.

There will be three or four candidates for each ministerial post, with each candidate required to elaborate on his or her program during the interview with Susilo.

Asked whether Kalla would be part of the interview process, Suko said: "No, he may not be there (at Susilo's residence) because it is Susilo's prerogative to pick his ministers."

Susilo has said that he would require all ministerial candidates to sign contracts spelling out their commitment to state duties.

Before he takes office, Susilo will also visit all former presidents and vice presidents.

"We hope to build a new tradition, which promotes respect to our past leaders. There may be political differences, but a mature nation has to honor its former presidents and vice presidents," Susilo stated.