Surjadi ceremony a protocol 'snafu'

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Law and Legislation Yusril Ihza Mahendra acknowledged on Tuesday that the swearing-in ceremony of Surjadi Soedirdja to temporarily assume ministerial duties of Gen. Wiranto violated standard protocol, but stressed it was not a legal offense.

"Usually there's no need for such a inauguration as it is temporary post," Yusril said.

"Conventions or state protocol in practice is usually binding and respected. But (from a legal point of view) if it was a violation it can't be taken to court, and therefore the ceremony can't be faulted."

Legislators are questioning why Surjadi was inducted as ad- interim coordinating minister for political affairs and security in an official state ceremony at the State Palace on Monday.

Ad-interim ministers usually undergo an administrative process when they take over the post and are not inducted in an official ceremony attended by top government officials. Both the President and Vice President were present at Soerjadi's installation.

Golkar Party legislator Agung Laksono strongly criticized the precedent of the ceremony, saying it gave the impression that Surjadi was permanently being appointed to Wiranto's job.

"A presidential decree is usually enough," Agung said on Tuesday.

"If Wiranto is proven innocent and retains his post, will we have another official ceremony for him?"

People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais described the departure from regular state conventions as a "mistake".

"This is quite strange to have an ad-interim minister inaugurated in a ceremony inviting such distinguished guests ...If it's ad interim, there's really no need," he said.

The Palace has not been forthcoming in giving a formal reason for why the ceremony was held Monday morning.

However, sources told The Jakarta Post there may have been a protocol mix-up by Palace officials due to the suddenness of President Abdurrahman Wahid's decision to suspend Wiranto close to midnight Sunday.

They said most officials overseeing protocol affairs at the palace were handpicked by the President, but are unaccustomed to timeworn protocol. They said officials more experienced in such matters were no longer given the responsibility under the new government.

House leaders have included the subject on the agenda for a consultation meeting between them with the President next week. (mds)