And turmoil of some sort seems more likely now to some. But the number two has a rather strategic position, since there is always the possibility that the president will step down. Officially, the vice president takes over if the president cannot finish the five-year term. The position of the military is critical. Whoever has its backing would be more certain of staying in power.
Trouble is, the army seems to be divided.
Sugiono and Maj.-Gen. They support onetime vice president Sudharmono as the eventual successor. Many believe the government must become more open, more transparent, more responsive. But that seems as unlikely as ever. It has been nearly 18 months since the government-backed ouster of Megawati Sukarnoputri as leader of the Democratic Party and the raid on its headquarters led to riots in Jakarta.