JUSUF KALLA:
We need to work fast!

HE was once a minister and vice president in previous cabinets, so Jusuf Kalla can be considered a veteran executive with substantial flying time. His long experience has been his asset. But his 70 years of age is often seen as the weak point in the new government which needs to move with full speed, if he and Joko Widodo win the presidential race.

JK-as he is familiarly addressed-cited many serious problems faced by Indonesia in the five years ahead, especially given the decline in many of the economic sectors. "Look at the trade deficit, our debt repayment rate, while subsidy costs keep going up," he said. "On social issues, the problem of SARA (ethnicity, religion race and groups) has reemerged, causing much injustice," he added. To overcome all that, said JK, there must be action and fast work. Kalla was interviewed by Tempo in early June. Excerpts:

July 1, 2014