Susilo urged to build good ties with DPR

Susilo urged to build good ties with DPR

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

President-in-waiting Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono must build a good
rapport with politicians in the House of Representatives (DPR) if
he wishes to avoid conflicts that could stymie his programs,
analysts say.

Azyumardi Azra of the Syarif Hidayatullah Islamic University
and Indria Samego of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI),
however, said good political communications did not have to mean
horse-trading in the House that would water down Susilo's
campaign promises.

"Communication must be made to explain his agenda, especially
policies that may impact on people lives," Azyumardi told The
Jakarta Post on Sunday.

Indria said Susilo and running mate Jusuf Kalla should act to
convince the public they had a strong commitment to improving the
people's welfare.

Fears of conflict between Susilo and the House began when the
Nationhood Coalition, which supported incumbent President
Megawati Soekarnoputri in the Sept. 20 election runoff, decided
to position itself as an opposition faction in the House and
regional legislatures.

The coalition, which consists of Megawati's Indonesian
Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the Golkar Party and the
Prosperous Peace Party (PDS), won the contest for House speaker,
electing senior Golkar politician Agung Laksono in a tight race
on Saturday morning, and appears to have swept elections for
House commission chairmen.

Another coalition member, the United Development Party (PPP),
has decided to quit the coalition and fielded it own candidate,
the defeated Endin Sofihara, in its bid for the DPR speakership.
However, two small parties -- the Reform Star Party (PBR) and
Concern for the Nation Functional Party (PKPB) -- showed signs
the coalition could expand, voting with the coalition for Agung.

Analysts say the coalition, which failed to boost Megawati's
chances in the runoff, could shoot down any initiatives taken by
Susilo to bring the country out of its economic crisis.

Under the current system many government programs, including
the drafting of state budget and appointments of ambassadors and
chiefs of police, Army, Navy, Air Force and the Indonesian
Military, have to get approval from the House.

Indria, however, doubted the coalition would have a
significant impact on Susilo's administration, saying Susilo, not
the House, would determine whether his government succeeded or
failed.

"The composition of (Susilo's) cabinet will also be an
important factor. I hear Susilo has listed some political
opponents in his cabinet," said Indria, adding that such a move
would weaken his opposition in the House.

Azyumardi and Indria said they believed the Nationhood
Coalition would not seriously affect Susilo's government because
the political parties in the grouping had different interests.

The PPP's decision to quit the coalition was a clear signal
that the grouping was not solid, they said.

"I don't think the coalition is strong enough to disturb
Susilo's government. If Susilo can convince the public, he will
even get more support," Azyumardi said.

Indria said coalition members would try to occupy key
positions in the House after failing to help Megawati and running
mate Hasyim Muzadi win the presidential runoff.