The skirmishes have begun

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