The waiting game continues

The waiting game continues

The nation is now starting to play the waiting game again for
the composition of the new Cabinet. It is astonishing how
impatient the millions of "onlookers", the general public and the
media in particular, have become. They expect that the new
administration can be formed within just a few days after a
crisis.

However, it is generally agreed that the upcoming Cabinet
should be a strong one with the support of the majority of the
political parties except the National Awakening Party's group of
Abdurrahman Wahid. It should further consist of experts or
technocrats who may belong to political parties or who are
independent intellectuals.

Many people in radio talks have expressed the wish that the
portfolio of defense minister be entrusted to a civilian and not
to a former military leader, however strong and influential he
may be in tackling security problems. Various regions are
demanding greater independence and some have resorted to
violence. Logically in theory a former military man would be best
to handle such situations.

The business public and the media were disappointed with the
postponement of the announcement last week. Analysts see in the
postponement a sign that political harmony has been broken and
that the slow process is a bad omen for the Megawati
administration. What is encouraging for the media is that the
ministry of information has been scrapped following nationwide
protests.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta