Vaudine England, Jakarta – Comments by armed forces chief and Defence Minister General Wiranto since opposition leader Megawati Sukarnoputri's dramatic political speech suggest he is a vital kingmaker in the months of politicking ahead – but one whose loyalty remains to the armed forces.
Speculation has reached fever pitch about whether or not Ms Megawati and General Wiranto have discussed a deal – to become president and vice-president respectively – but the latest signals suggest such a deal is still some way off.
The day after Ms Megawati proclaimed her readiness to rule Indonesia, and reaffirmed her commitment to a gradual phasing-out of the military's "dual function" in society, General Wiranto publicly defended the military's claimed right to engage in both political and defence affairs.
"It is true that the role of the TNI [Indonesian Defence Forces] is stressed in the field of defence and security, but TNI also has similar duties and obligations to work for the welfare of the nation," the general said.
"Therefore in nation building, national development, or in building the moral ethics of the nation, we should of course be allowed to take part," he said. "As to the nature of the involvement, it should be decided in a wise way, through compromise."
On Saturday, General Wiranto said: "A strong government is not identical with an authoritarian one."
He acknowledged the military had been the focus of intense criticism for supporting former president Suharto and for a long litany of human rights abuses. But he promised in future, the military would do better.
"The military will no longer side with the ruler, or the ruling party," he said. "To ensure democratisation, TNI must participate in safeguarding the reform movement and the national political agenda," he said.
While pledging the TNI "is prepared to listen and accept" a compromise, his comments also included a broadside against the dangers of "liberalism".
More significantly, he failed to promise any fresh accounting for the killings of civilians by troops in Aceh, the shootings and abductions of students last year in Jakarta, and many more abuses.
Ms Megawati's comments, in her first major speech since the June 7 elections, left her open for compromise with the military but also focused on the ongoing violence in Aceh – the one subject which prompted her to shed tears.
Advocates of national unity above all else, say a political marriage of convenience between Ms Megawati and General Wiranto could help ensure stability in the crucial three months ahead, before a new president is elected by the Peoples' Consultative Assembly [MPR].
But hatred of the military, and deep suspicion about General Wiranto's personal ambitions, ensures any dealing by Ms Megawati with the military carries high political risks.
The armed forces were given 38 seats in the new parliament by election laws enacted in January, and could garner more seats through the forthcoming appointment of regional and functional representatives to the MPR.
"Wiranto and [National Mandate Party leader] Amien Rais are expected to be kingmakers if the two coalitions have somewhat balanced strengths," said military analyst Salim Said, referring to the division of seats in parliament between ruling Golkar party and Ms Megawati's PDI-P.