Bakrie is just following the political system in this country. He's smart enough to say he "won't stand in opposition". Opposition equals suicide for Golkar. We all know the party has a lot of money and a lack of sympathy. That's Bakrie's main gain.

Budi Jay
Semarang

There may be no major parties to challenge SBY's government, but his more than two ears are willing to listen to his people and this will save him from many potential failures. We will guide him to make better decisions to enhance the welfare of the people.

Moeljono Adikoesoemo
Jakarta

I think both Golkar and the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle need to cooperate with the government because their popularity has been falling.

Jaya
Jakarta

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono leading a strong and decisive government is necessary to make his second term in office a success. Although ministers from his cabinet come from different parties, they are appointed based on merit.

Furthermore, before their appointment, by signing a "politic-contract" ministers have committed themselves to their post and not to their parties.

Parties at the House of Representatives are still free to voice opposing views to correct and strengthen government policies.

Besides, experts from universities and various NGOs will also compete to offer their advice. I look forward to a real presidential government as stipulated in our Constitution, instead of the parliamentarian government we experienced before.

Soebagjo Soetadji
Jakarta.

Maybe the President has no opposition in his government, but if the president governs off the corridor, sooner or later he will be faced with opposition.

E Nurdin
Jakarta

Although Golkar will not stand as an opposition party, this does not mean that it will always support the government. It will not support the President's programs or policies, which are not in line with the public interest. Golkar members in parliament do not have to endorse budget allocations of such programs or policies.

Abdul Rahim
Tangerang, Banten

This is a ludicrous and dangerous political situation. If no major political parties are challenging the President, they are paving the way for him to become a dictator. L'etat c'est moi! Opposition is healthy in a political environment. It forces those in power to consider others.

If there is no opposition, no one will counter the President's decisions and these decisions will therefore be accepted without a struggle.

Are Golkar and the PDI-P hoping to get powerful posts in the new Cabinet? Pan is not a major political party, but at least they are not willing to become yes-men.

Lynna
Bogor, West Java

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