In Economic Dynamism of Asia in the New Millenium: From the Asian Crisis to a New Stage of Growth(Advanced Research in Asian Economic Studies),Yoshinori Shimizu (Editor), 2007, appears an essay written by Ms. Indrawati, “Indonesian Economic Recovery Process and the Role of Government”. In this essay of the economic recovery of Indonesia at the 1997-98 economic crisis she concludes:
“Indonesia’s painful political transition is likely to remain a dominant factor affecting the sustainability of economic recovery. The effectiveness of the government in implementing economic programs and reform is highly dependent on support of the parliament and the capacity and the credibility of the new government. Major handicap lies in the weak institutional foundation in the area of politics, law (including basic constitution), and bureaucracy. Alleviation of these institutional problems requires persistent and consistent effort.
Realistically, even under the best cabinet formation in the government, a longer time will be needed for the new government to be able to fix the economic destruction and to create significant improvement. This is because, in the past four years, many opportunities were forgone. Even worse, problems emerged that further aggravated the burden and risk to the whole country. While building strong, effective, but accountable institutions will take some time, the explosion of problems can happen any time. Even with full support of parliament members in execution of difficult policies, the risk of failure is not trivial. These are seriously daunting tasks. Despite their size, Indonesia has no other option but to triumph over them.”
Here in a concise few paragraphs is, I believe, Ms. Indrawati’s poltical and economic philosphy. She has maintained, through out, the best interests of Indonesia. She clearly understands that no matter the “daunting tasks” that Indonesia faces that there is ”no other option but to triumph over them.”
In her record of government service and in her tenure as Finance Minister she has held true to this as a guiding principle.
This is my third post regarding Ms. Indrawati. The other two can be found below: Jakarta (Sri Mulyani Indrawati) and Jakarta (the next Vice President of Indonesia) where I have outlined why I think she should be selected to run with SBY as his Vice President in the upcoming elections.
Here I would simply like to make a few observations:
If she is simply going to be some kind of figurehead stand-in for SBY then the job is not for her. Her talents would otherwise be wasted. There is also the question of whether or not she really would want to be VP. Maybe she doesn’t. I have not read that anyone has directly asked her that question. On the other hand if she gets assurances from SBY that she will be able to extend reforms through the government then maybe she would consider taking the position, if offered.
Apparently there are other possible contenders for VP as well. The Jakarta Globe reports Hidayat Nur Wahid, Hatta Rajasa, and even Akbar Tanjung.
Recent polling suggests that no matter what his choice SBY will win the election. For some reason I don’t think SBY is interested in cutting political deals. I do think he is interested in doing what is best for Indonesia.
There is another interesting aspect to this as well. It really doesn’t have much to do with directly with Mulyani (only maybe in part).
Suharto’s shadow still looms over Indonesian politics and society in general.
It’s clear that Megawati, Kalla, Probowo, and Wiranto have tossed away any semblance of ideaology. Now it’s all about positioning. Kalla talks to Probowo, Probowo talks to Megawati, Probowo and Wiranto talk, and on and on it goes. Indonesia will never be able to move forward mired in all this talking among these old political hacks. Probowo likely would not be able to get a US Visa. Wiranto is still regarded as a war criminal by the UN. Megawati is just plain ridiculous and Kalla is an opportunist and it appears he may have split GOLKAR or damaged it poltically.
Both Wiranto and Probowo are directly tied to Suharto. They worked for him. Megawati’s party was victimized by Suharto and by the very people she is now trying to (or was trying to) form a political coalition with. Kalla simply took over GOLKAR as a ready made political machine when it should have been disbanded.
It’s as if there were not any Indonesian history after 1998, or at least any politician with a memory.
Suharto’s shadow still looms large over the political landscape.
When you look at all the players in the current election scheme you can only conclude that a new generation of reformasi minded politicians is necessary to move Indonesia foward. Indonesia has no other option but to triumph over the past.
I say Ms. Indrawati is representative of new poltical possibilties for Indonesia. She has it right.
May 6, 2009 at 4:33 am
SM is definitely the best candidate for SBY’s VP outside the political circles, or even the best in all circles. Not only that SBY will have a credible, competent, committed, loyal person to the administration and the country, but he will get a lot more than that from her.
Selecting VP from Golkar, which is the best choice after SM, irritates PKS and some of his supporters who dislike Golkar, even though it will not last long; choosing from PKS will irritate some of his nationalist and independent supporters and may affect negatively to the votes, and picking up from other political parties is not an option. SBY will definitely get less resistance by choosing SM, and will likely get positive support from the business and international community as well.
SM may also attract more female voters who are not that satisfied with SBY leadership style who would otherwise vote for JK or PS.
The expectation is that with VP’s position, SM shall be able help SBY to continue strengthening bureaucratic reforms in the Ministry of Finance, and to help SBY in cleaning up the remaining major strategic government institutions to improve efficiency, transparency, accountability and to boost the country economic competitiveness and to build hope, confidence and trust among the people.
May 6, 2009 at 7:09 pm
The VP slot is too restrictive.
The best bet is for her to be given the Menko slot on the economy with a free reign and significant support for reform measures. This would still make SBY look good (assuming the shoe in that everyone claims him to be actually is first past the post) and not taint SMI with the VP tag.
Alternatively, she would certainly put a cat amongst the pigeons if a coalition of parties was able to get to some common ground and nominate her.
June 25, 2009 at 9:02 am
I also supported her for VP candidacy, too bad she didn’t make it. But I believe she will on the next period.
July 4, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Well she’ll get neither support nor vote from me.
From her interviews, it is clear that she does not adhere to a political ideal which I agree with.
Having said that, I find that she is quite the capable person with genuine interest for the country. Though coupled with the facade of a stuck up bitch.
December 3, 2009 at 1:50 am
sri..you just gave satisfaction of your pussy to you boss ,SBY. now you gang bangd with your collegue, BOEDIONO. hei..thats a new star of three some porn star ever in this year!!!!!