WEARING a traditional green blouse and a yellow shawl, Minister of Finance Sri Indrawati sat in the front row. Seated next to her was Minister of Industry Mari Elka Pangestu. On Thursday night last week all of the members of the United Indonesia Cabinet II, including Vice President Boediono, were in attendance at Freedom Palace.

That night, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) gave a speech in consideration of the final decision of the House