Susilo interviews more candidates from parties

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.