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