The skirmishes have begun

The political skirmishes between parties supporting the executive power under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the opposition led by the Nationhood Coalition, have begun in earnest now that government is split into two camps, almost paralyzing its routine activities. No doubt this is a reflection of the struggle for power and influence left over from the recent presidential election, involving the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Democratic Party.

Some analysts rightly predicted that President Susilo would face some hurdles in the House or Representatives, but the present reality is much worst than anticipated, with the possibility of the House being dissolved by a presidential decree, at least in theory.

The so-termed People's Coalition has tabled a motion of no- confidence in the leadership of the House, which forced the formation of the House's committees following the boycott by the People's Coalition on further proceedings.

The People's Coalition is even considering submitting the case to a court of justice or to the Constitutional Court and to the attention of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU). The latest reports indicate that the People's Coalition has formed House commissions of its own, as it was not given any further leadership posts on the committees already formed by the Nationhood Coalition.

Then there is an interpellation to be initiated by the Nationhood Coalition camp, requesting that Susilo explain the reasons behind the revocation of a presidential decree by the former president, Megawati Soekarnoputri, in discharging the commander of the Indonesia Military and appointing a new one.

While these political skirmishes are interesting to watch, they will ultimately constitute a permanent stumbling block for President Susilo's administration. It can hardly function according to plan when bills and policies submitted to the House are invariably under fire.

It would be, then, impossible for him to govern and carry out the reforms solemnly pledged. A political or constitutional crisis may likely develop when the draft budget for the fiscal year of 2005, and beyond, needs the approval of the House. Under such circumstances, the Supreme Court may decide to order a new general election, which would be out of the question in Indonesia at present.

GANDHI SUKARDI Jakarta