Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid on Wednesday ordered his state administrative reform minister to stay on until Vice President Megawati Sukanoputri returns from a trip abroad.
The minister, Ryaas Rasyid, tendered his resignation from the cabinet on Tuesday, citing differences with Wahid over the country's new decentralization program, of which he is one of the key architects.
"This action was taken because of a previous commitment to not reshuffle the cabinet," presidential spokesman Wimar Witoelar said.
"If there was going to be (a reshuffle), it would only be to cater for Ryaas Rasyid's request, but that would still have to wait for further consultation with the vice president," Witoelar said.
"It is the president's prerogative rights to include the vice president (in decision making)."
Megawati, to whom Wahid has delegated the day-to-day running of the government, is scheduled to return to Jakarta on January 9.
Witoelar said Wahid had discussed the resignation request with Cabinet Secretary Marsilam Simanjuntak earlier on Wednesday.
"Right now, a response letter is being drafted and it will be sent to Ryaas Rasyid today. The letter requested him to stay at his post ... until the vice president returns," Witoelar told journalists, quoting the president.
Megawati is on a 12-day overseas trip which includes working visits to Switzerland, Bangladesh and Malaysia and a minor pilgrimage trip to Mecca.
Rasyid was deeply involved in preparing the laws on regional autonomy and on fiscal equity, the foundations of the drive to accord political and economic autonomy to the country's 29 provinces and more than 300 districts.
He told journalists on Tuesday when he submitted his resignation letter that an inadequate number of presidential decrees had been issued to ensure the smooth launch of the scheme.
He also said the ministerial directorate in charge of the program would have inadequate authority to coordinate with other ministries in implementing the difficult transition.
Under the scheme, which took effect on January 1, the regions of the vast archipelago have been given the power to appoint their own leaders and to prepare and administer their own budgets.
But the central government will cut subsidies to the provinces and retain some 40 percent of the provincial tax incomes.
It will also retain authority over foreign, defense and monetary affairs as well as in justice.
The government hopes the move will placate growing demand in the provinces for a greater say in their affairs and, in some resource-rich areas, for more income and control over their own wealth -- JAKARTA, (AFP)
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
