Susilo interviews more candidates from parties

Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Bogor

President-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono continued his search for ministers on Monday, interviewing several candidates from parties that supported his presidential campaign, as well as meeting with an economist seen as pro-International Monetary Fund (IMF).

M. Yusuf Ashari of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), Bambang Sudibyo of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Syaifullah Jusuf of the National Awakening Party (PKB) and Soegiharto of the United Development Party (PPP) were interviewed on Monday, one day after their parties accused Susilo of turning his back on them.

Susilo also summoned pro-IMF economist Sri Mulyani Indrawati, who is the current IMF executive director for Southeast Asia, despite objections from parties that backed his candidacy.

On Saturday, Susilo summoned another pro-IMF economist, Mari Elka Pangestu of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

Politicians Hatta Rajasa of PAN and Surya Dharma Ali of PPP were also interviewed on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Besides politicians from parties that backed his presidency, Susilo also has met with Fahmi Idris, Rizal Ramli of economic think tank Econit, Anton Apriyantono of the Bogor Institute of Agriculture, Juwono Sudarsono, the ambassador to the United Kingdom, the ambassador to the Vatican, Vice Adm. (ret) Fredy Numberi, and Muhammad Maftuh Basyuni, the ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Yusuf Ashari arrived at Susilo's private residence in Cikeas, Bogor, at 10:30 a.m. and was interviewed about good governance during a one-hour meeting.

Following the meeting, Yusuf said he signed a contract ensuring his willingness to work hard and honestly. However, he refused to disclose what ministerial post, if any, he was offered.

Economist Rizal Ramli was also interviewed but he refused to speak to the press following the meeting. There are rumors that he will be appointed coordinating minister for the economy.

Sudibyo, who arrived at Susilo's home at about 2:30 p.m., was interviewed for about 10 minutes. He said he and the president- elect only talked about student protests. Earlier in the day, a group of students held a protest in front of Susilo's home.

Syaifullah met with Susilo for half an hour. He said they did not talk about anything specific. Given his background as chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama's youth wing, GP Anshor, Syaifullah is thought to be a possible candidate for youth affairs minister.

Susilo also interviewed a number of professionals, including Anton Apriyanto, a professor at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture, and Juwono Sudarsono, the current Indonesian ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Anton arrived at about 11 a.m. and met with Susilo for an hour.

"We discussed many things in relation to agriculture, including how to improve the welfare of farmers and the productivity of fields," Anton said.

Juwono, who arrived at Susilo's residence at 2:20 p.m., told reporters after the meeting that he and Susilo discussed defense issues, including a long-term defense planning program.

"We also talked about how to enhance regional cooperation -- known as the ASEAN security community -- and also how to ensure ongoing military reform will continue," Juwono said.

Minutes before Muslims broke the fast, Susilo met with Muhammad Maftuh Basyuni. Maftuh, the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as well as a member of NU, Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, said the two discussed religious issues.