9:30 AM
After several days of intense pressure from Indonesia's parliament, President Abdurrahman Wahid has promised to accept a figurehead role, giving Vice President Megawati Sukarnoputri responsibility for managing the government.
"I will charge the Vice President with executing the daily technical tasks, drawing up the cabinet working agenda and...establishing the focus and priority of the government," the President announced.
Megawati, who is the daughter of Indonesia's founding president, will remain accountable to the president.
President Wahid had been threatened with impeachment over his handling of Indonesia's social and economic woes.
His party holds less than 10 per cent of the 700 seats in parliament, and relies on support from a shaky alliance with other parties.
In addition to delegating power to Megawati, the President announced he will reshuffle his Cabinet.
Sleepy president under seige
Megawai takes promotion in Indonesia
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.