Susilo to choose Cabinet this week

JAKARTA: Presidential front-runner Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected to unveil a tentative cabinet after he returns from a minor haj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, a party official said.

Subur Budhisantoso, leader of the Democratic Party, who nominated Susilo for the presidential race, told reporters on Tuesday that the appointment of cabinet members was one of the tasks given to Susilo.

He did stress, however, that Susilo would take advice from his running mate Jusuf Kalla and members of his campaign team.

Earlier, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, leader of the Crescent Star Party (PBB), who has endorsed Susilo, claimed that he would be included on the team that determines Susilo's cabinet lineup. -- JP