Print October 13, 2004 

(Editorial Jakarta Post) 
 
Neither fools, nor crooks 

Not so long ago, around the time of the year when
governments are formed, many among our political elite
would be inflicted with a temporary case of AIDS. No,
not that dreadful disease ravaging the world's
population, but a sudden case of vanity while awaiting
the telephone call to confirm their exalted
appointment as Cabinet minister.

An Indonesian acronym for Aku Ingin Ditelpon Soeharto
(I want to be telephoned by Soeharto), AIDS poignantly
described the conceited regard for high appointment --
a get rich scheme which bestowed power and all the
indulgences of political patrimony. There was little
semblance of the awareness that Cabinet posts are
positions of high service, not high privilege. 

In theory, at least, president-elect Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono has begun to put a stop to it. That is not
to say that "undesirables" are not camping out at
Cikeas -- Susilo's residence -- trying to grab his
attention. But at the very least the president-elect
has introduced a new screening process by personally
interviewing a short list of ministerial candidates
for a particular post. 

For the moment the process has created a media frenzy.
Even SMS (short Message Service) polling is encouraged
by television stations on the respective ministerial
candidates as if it were some hollow reality show.
Watching the circus unfold the public is treated to a
"who dunit?" mystery, only this time the premise being
"who'll get it?" 

The way in which a government is selected, organized
and managed will have implications on the procedural
legitimacy that stake holders like the House of
Representatives and the general public, will grant in
policy making. 

Thus in principle, Susilo's selection process deserves
support. We hope that he will remain faithful to his
idea that "job interviews" will serve as a means to
examine not only the candidates personal competence,
but his or her loyalty to the new president's vision. 

We understand that the interviews may also serve as a
sieve to remove politically sensitive candidates from
the final selection. Susilo at the very least can now
make his choice under the guise of appraising the
interview, and not merely his personal inclination. 

We welcome this move and wholly endorse the selection
of competence over political favor. However, we would
also like to remind our president-elect that in an age
of direct democracy and parliamentary
rambunctiousness, technical competence and scholarly
flair are not the sole proprieties in making a good
Cabinet. 

Wit and political congeniality are no less important
for an administration likely to be the most
scrutinized in four decades. 

We urge Susilo to define in his own mind the positions
needed to govern and the people he needs to fill them.
He is not bound by stifling bureaucratic traditions in
this case because simply, there are none preceding.
Susilo should proceed with whatever experiments he may
feel necessary for this process without wasting time. 

His goal should be toward forming a team. Each
appointment demarcated by distinctly separate
assignments, yet able to work collegially with one
another. Lone rangers are not welcome. 

The selection should include people who cede to a
democratically elected president, but always those who
are also ever ready to sharpen issues and raise
concerns over dubious policy ambitions. "Yes men" are
not wanted. 

Finally, and most importantly, it is most desirable
for the Cabinet to include only individuals whose
personal traits protect them from the clamor of the
mob, the allure of power and the charm of riches. We
seek not a Cabinet of fools at the price of gaining a
Cabinet of crooks. 
 



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