THE departure of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani could benefit Aburizal Bakrie in two significant ways. First, it means the removal of a serious obstacle to the business interests of this Golkar Party Chairman. Secondly, it is a chance to strengthen his political bargaining position following his appointment as chairman of the coalition joint secretariat by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

But the double advantage to Bakrie could mean bad news f