Hatta Rajasa's political savvy and leadership style make him one of the most potent politicians in the country, second only to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. (JG Photo)
Quiet, effective leaders are often overlooked, but in times of crisis such leaders are worth their weight in gold. Chief economics minister Hatta Rajasa , who was chosen as GlobeAsia magazine’s’s Man of the Year this week, is arguably the most underestimated politician of his generation.
Hatta’s political star has risen slowly but steadily. He joined the National Mandate Party (PAN) in 1998 and played a central role in the events that led to former President Abdurrahman Wahid’s election. He also served in the cabinet of Megawati Sukarnoputri as the minister for research and technology. Under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, he was first transport minister and later state secretary, a post roughly akin to being prime minister in a parliamentary political system.
Hatta excelled in his role as state secretary, providing valuable advice and input for Yudhoyono and acting as his point man on numerous occasions. He was seen as an effective gatekeeper of the palace. His appointment as Indonesia’s new economic czar may have surprised market watchers at the time, but the business community are slowly coming around to appreciate his unique political skills.
His political savvy and leadership style make Hatta one of the most potent politicians in the country, second only to Yudhoyono. His ability to manage the political environment will be critical in pushing ahead with the government’s economic reform agenda, as politics has proven over the last five years to be a huge barrier to progress.
Hatta’s strength is not in formulating grand strategies or outlining bold visions. He is a quiet operator who gets things done on the ground where it matters most. This is where the biggest obstacles to growth are found and this is where his leadership will prove most effective. There is no shortage of big ideas in the country. There is a need to get them implemented.
His entrepreneurial management style will help to find solutions as he is focused on problem solving instead of blaming others. His ability to reach out and communicate with the different factions in the legislature will be critical to unclogging the logjams that have prevented movement in the past. Most importantly, he can provide the political cover for the technocrats in the government who can then focus on implementing policy.
As chief economics minister, Hatta has an opportunity to make a significant difference for Indonesia. If he can get infrastructure projects moving, help reform the bureaucracy and streamline government procedures, he could go down as one of the most effective economic ministers this country has had. Indeed, 2010 may prove to be a defining year for Hatta if he can prove his political worthiness and further the economic reform program.
Indonesia needs a leader of Hatta’s caliber and stature at this critical juncture. The minister must mobilize his skills and abilities in the service of the nation he has served so well in the past.
Related Article:
Big Challenges, Great Expectations for Hatta Rajasa, GlobeAsia’s Man of the Year
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