THE new cabinet minister introduced himself to top officials of the United Development Party (PPP), on Monday night last week. "My name is Djan Faridz. I am a Betawi (native of Jakarta), born in Kalipasir, lived by the river," he said.

That afternoon, Djan, who is in the property business, was summoned by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. At the Palace, this member of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) was informed that he would