Robert Go, Jakarta – Presidential spokesman Wimar Witoelar said that Indonesians are being unrealistic if they expect Mr Abdurrahman Wahid alone to lift the country out of the political and economic crises.

Speaking to foreign journalists in Jakarta yesterday, he also admitted that "for this presidential office, much of what you hear outside is basically true", and that perhaps his boss is not the ideal man for the top job. "This presidency has heart, but little of anything else ... I can say that my man does not have the competence to govern."

But Mr Witoelar, known for his quick wit and frank political opinions, was quick to add that the President is Indonesia's best option. "Indonesia as a country is too used to thinking of one person as a leader, a saviour ... This idea will not work for this President."

He argued that the country needed to rebuild its battered institutions, including the legal and financial systems, and build around Mr Abdurrahman's contributions.

"The only way we can get out of this mess is by not relying too much on him, because when you do that, people criticise and make fun of him, which both are very easy to do," he said. "Why do people in Parliament think that replacing the President is going to solve the problem?" Mr Witoelar, an ex-talk-show host, also said he had no hidden agenda.