Surjadi ceremony a protocol 'snafu'

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)