RINI M. SOEMARNO:
The principal idea was Pak Jokowi's

HAVING led an automative company during the political and economic turbulence of 1998 to 2000, Rini Mariani Soemarno, 56, is no stranger to crises. She reckons that particular experience will serve her well in her new job as chief of staff of the Joko Widodo-Jusuf Kalla Transition Team. Formed by the president-elect himself, the team is tasked with preparing everything, including the inauguration ceremony scheduled for October 20.

Yet Rini's appointment has raised suspicions and worries among certain groups, the main reason being the close relationship between this former trade and industry minister (2001-2004) with Megawati Soekarnoputri, chair of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). It is no secret that during the recent presidential campaign, Jokowi was criticized as a 'puppet' of Megawati, part of the smear campaign against him.

August 12, 2014