The power struggle at the top in Jakarta is crystallising and it doesn't look good for embattled President Abdurrahman Wahid. In a bid to avoid impeachment or a handover of power to his Deputy Megawati Sukarnoputri, the President has discussed with military leaders a plan for marshal law. The Federal Industry Minister, Nick Minchin, has for the first time bought into the debate about Arnotts planned factory closure in Melbourne, and he's immediately incensed 600 workers who'll lose their jobs. Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock looks set to release women and children from the Woomera Detention Centre despite strong opposition in the outback community. Opponents there claim that the release of detainees will hurt tourism and local businesses.
Supporters say the opposition makes the town look like a place of xenophobes and rednecks.