Fathoming the president

摘要

Is there method in his madness? Indonesia's President Abdurrahman Wahid returned to the capital, Jakarta, on February 13th after a two-week tour abroad with just about everyone confused over his relations with General Wiranto, the former military chief. While abroad, the president had demanded the general's resignation from the cabinet, but he had also said that he possibly owed his life to him. His return home was therefore awaited with interest. Would he sack the general or not? At first it appeared that the president had retreated. He said General Wiranto could keep his post after all. Then, in the middle of the night, Mr Wahid reversed his decision. A few hours later, the general was watching impassively as Sur-jadi Soedirdja was sworn in as his replacement as security minister.