The smiling minister: Coordinating Minister for Law and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto responds to questions from journalists on Tuesday after being questioned by investigators from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in connection with a graft case involving former energy and mineral resources minister Jero Wacik
span class="inline inline-center">
Your comments on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's hint that he might support the proposal to maintain the direct election of regional heads, but has not instructed his Democratic Party legislators to support it in the upcoming House of Representatives plenary session:
It is no surprise to me. As usual, Yudhoyono is not a man of action. He considers too many things before making a decision. This is a good chance for him to leave a great legacy.
He should have ordered the Democratic Party legislators to opt for direct elections. If the party decides to stay with the Red-and-White Coalition, it has to challenge the proposed regional election bill.
Oom Roes
The President is always cautious when reaching a decision. He will consider the consequences before making any definite statement.
Bi goez
The President is trying to maintain harmony with all parties: With the people who reject indirect elections by stating his support on YouTube, but also with Prabowo Subianto's coalition by not publicly announcing his decision as Democratic Party leader.
The result in the House will show if his harmonious approach is silently decisive or just a doubtful, indecisive one.
Ignas Iryanto
Jakarta
He is saying that he supports direct elections because he wants the people's support for his party, which has weakened drastically due to all the corruption cases implicating the party's members.
Mohammed Jamaal
Yudhoyono indecisive? So, what else is new?
Harry
Jakarta
Yudhoyono shouldn't just drop hints. He should take a strong stance against the proposed bill, as it has been reported that 91 percent of the country's population support direct elections. It would be better for him to listen to the people ' even if he is into his last month in office. I think when all this is done, the Red-and-White Coalition may become the 'black-and-blue coalition', and it will be well-deserved.
X Simaging
He's feeling the heat and after he steps down, the students, workers and the rest of the people will show their frustration with demonstrations. He always changes sides - flip-flop.
Animi
The vast majority of people might well be smart enough to judge that their democratic rights are being forfeited or suppressed ' at least the first step toward it'- or manipulated via hastily introduced, 'old' doctrines.
Such a sense of judgment can be discounted among those who are hell-bent on holding onto power to enrich themselves beyond imagination on the shoulders of the people.
Max
Remember when Yudhoyono said Prabowo's rhetoric on the nationalization of resources was dangerous, then ended up backing him? That's leadership.
Refly Turbo
Watch out!!! When a politician says one thing, they usually mean another.
Tay Tommy
Effective right away, all Indonesians are to give President Yudyohono the silent treatment. Just ignore him.
Abdul Malik
Topic of the day
Addressing the haze
Indonesia finally agreed Tuesday to ratify a decade-old regional haze treaty, following pressure from neighboring countries over forest fires on the islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan. What do you think?
Send your thoughts by email, SMS, Twitter or Facebook. Include your name and city.
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.