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.