The next vice president

The next vice president

From Koran Tempo

Indonesia's fifth president has been sworn in. What's now
interesting is the position of vice president left vacant by
Megawati. The "stock exchange" of candidates offers several names
such as Akbar Tandjung, Wiranto, Hamzah Haz, Yusril Ihza Mahendra
and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

I advise new President to exercise utmost caution in
selecting the next vice president so that both can cooperate and
work hand in hand to realize the development of the nation,
rather than "opposing and toppling" each other.

The recent disharmony in the relationship between the former
president and his vice president is one of the reasons why the
government could not execute its actions smoothly and instead of
steering Indonesia out of the crisis, it caused the nation to be
drawn deeper into crisis.

This predicament shows that the people have been treated as
mere spectators of politician's brawls in the legislature, which
in the process forgot that it was the people who gave them the
mandate for bringing people prosperity and improved welfare.

I suggest that Megawati appoint a neutral vice president, one
who has not been contaminated by certain political interests and
will thus be better able to concentrate on related activities.

It is further suggested that a military figure would be the
appropriate partner, as military discipline is commendable and
the new government is fully aware of the need of support from the
military. However, proper care should be taken so that the
military is not overly involved or active in politics.

Part of society is in favor of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono being
the vice president, as he is "clean" and has a high degree of
nationalism and intelligence -- plus he is well accepted by
religious circles, the political elite as well as the
international community.

The possible added value from such a partnership is a positive
domestic and international response, which could be one important
factor to help us end the current crisis and restore the national
economy.

UCOK SINAMBELA

Jakarta