By now there may be only a few of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's 34 Cabinet ministers who are confident that their positions are secure. It is true that several of the President's aides have failed to do what the President instructed them to do within one year. They are incompetent. But we are obliged to remind the nation that our most pressing problem is not the incompetence of Cabinet members but of the President himself.

Despite his landslide victory in last year's election, when more than 60 percent of 120 million voters entrusted him to lead Indonesia for another five years, Yudhoyono was unable to redirect such huge public confidence into the formation of his Cabinet.

Apart from objective reasons – including the fact that he needed to form a coalition with other political parties to ensure the stability of his administration – his own tendency to aim towards pleasing everyone and playing safe has been instrumental in keeping the Cabinet weak.

Members of Yudhoyono's ruling coalition, particularly the Golkar Party, are now maneuvering for more lucrative Cabinet positions by aiming ministers in charge of the portfolios they are eyeing. Members of the political and business elite are also working on their profiles in hope that their vested interests are accommodated.

Amid growing pressure for a Cabinet reshuffle, from the public and members of his coalition government, signs have emerged that Yudhoyono may be willing to accommodate the demands. Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan, Justice and Human Rights Minister Patrialis Akbar, Communications and Information Technology Minister Tifatul Sembiring are among ministers who have often become targets of public criticism regarding their performance.

Unfortunately, however, as has often been seen in the past, Yudhoyono's concerns about his image have apparently taken priority over his efforts to improve the performance of the administration.

It is true that many Indonesians have been disappointed with the progress of several ministers over the last 12 months. But again, we can safely assume that it won't matter who the Cabinet ministers or top aides are, because as long as the President maintains his ultra-cautious approach the substandard performance will continue.

The President has frequently appeared not to be in command of his subordinates. Just look at his inertness in appointing a permanent attorney general, or his reluctance to use his power to stop the chaos at the National Police headquarters, where police officers fought each other in public in defense of their personal interests.

President Yudhoyono has four years to complete the second term of his presidency. However, based on the poor achievement of his Cabinet over the past 12 months, it is looking more than likely we will be stuck with a "lame duck" government until 2014.

There are also indications that the President has reached a "fatigue" level in governing Indonesia. He seems very satisfied with the progress the nation has made since 2004, and has belittled public frustration regarding his leadership as mere attempts by small groups who want to disrupt the government.

We want to remind Yudhoyono that four years is still a long time. But unless he has the guts to exercise his leadership as the head of government and the state, Indonesia will continue to down the road to development, but won't likely get out of first gear.