VP swears in new Cabinet

JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid warned his 35 strong-Cabinet that he would keep close tabs on their integrity and performance, saying he would rather see them resign than become suspect to power abuses.

In a speech after inaugurating the new Cabinet at the State Palace, Abdurrahman reminded them they would be under the scrutiny of the general public.

The President underlined his intention of overseeing a clean and competent government in a bid not only to gain the people's trust, but also to restore international market confidence.

"This is important to sustain the people's trust, the world's trust and more importantly the confidence of the business world," the President said while urging newly sworn in ministers to live modestly among the people.

He specifically told Attorney General Marzuki Darusman to closely monitor all government activities and not to hesitate in taking legal measures against any abuse of power.

The people have very high expectations of the president and vice president as they have been suffering too long, Abdurrahman said.

In a break from tradition, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri had the honor of officially swearing in the Cabinet.

The act was as much a sign of political unity between the two people as of the President's poor eye sight.

"The new ministers will be installed by Ibu Vice President. This is because of two factors: First because I cannot read and second to show that this Cabinet was not formed by only one person," Abdurrahman remarked.

The new Cabinet comprises three coordinating ministers, 16 ministers with portfolios, 13 state ministers along with State Secretary Ali Rahman, Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Adm. Widodo A.S. and Attorney General Marzuki.

There were three faces from the old Cabinet -- Gen. Wiranto, Juwono Sudarsono and Hamzah Haz.

The swearing in was conducted concurrently in accordance with the Cabinet members respective faiths.

Muslim clergyman Basiq Djalil stood beside 31 Moslem ministers.

Two ministers are Christians -- State Minister of Administrative Reforms Rear Adm. Freddy Numberi and State Minister of Environment Soni Keraf are Protestant and Catholic respectively.

State Minister of Social Affairs Anak Agung Gde Agung was accompanied by a Hindu monk.

For the first time in 32 years a Buddhist has joined the Cabinet. Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie was guided by a Buddhist monk.

Unlike the ministerial swearing in ceremonies of yesteryear, there was less pomp on Friday.

There was less general uniformity in the color and clothes worn. Male Cabinet members simply wore dark suits and female ministers traditional kebayas.

There was no specially designed made-to-measure clothing for the ministers.

Some of the ministers took Abdurrahman's plea for a modest lifestyle a bit too far.

Palace officials had to ask Minister of Agriculture M. Prakosa to replace his peci because the hat was clearly old and worn.

"He is a true academic who doesn't pay much attention to his own appearance. His suit seems quite old too," said an official about the minister who was picked by Megawati to join the Cabinet.

Standing in the background during the 30 minute ceremony were the close family of the new ministers.

Seen among them was former minister of foreign affairs Mochtar Kusumaatmadja who was present to show his support for younger brother Sarwono Kusumaatmadja who was appointed minister of maritime exploration.

The odd brick out of place and a strong smell of wet paint due to palace restoration works did nothing to dampen the atmosphere.

Later Cabinet members and their spouses proceeded to the Merdeka Palace terrace for official photographs with the President, First Lady Sinta Nuriyah, Megawati and her husband Taufik Kiemas.

Presidential household chief Kemal Munawar and presidential security guard chief Maj. Gen. Suwandi were visibly wary as hundreds of demonstrators could be heard shouting just 200 meters away from the terrace.

The President however insisted that the scheduled events proceeded as planned.

The ministers, who will receive an official monthly salary of about Rp 2.5 million, then left the State Palace in new Volvo sedans with their newly assigned adjutants. (prb)