Indonesia's Odd Couple

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Communication between Wahid and Megawati will become vital in the months ahead, as a new Cabinet is chosen and the political odd couple set about governing the country. "Because Gus cannot read documents, the question is who will control the flow of information to him," says Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, a former Cabinet minister. "There will be fierce competition over who is going to whisper in his ear." Or his mobile phone.

Of even greater concern is Wahid's fragile health. He suffered a stroke in 1998 that left him unable to walk unaided. "We need a leader who can unite the nation, and he has the capacity," says Emil Salim, a respected former Finance Minister. "But Gus Dur is not a healthy man." Should he die or become incapacitated, Megawati would take over as President for the remainder of his five-year term--something that could spark renewed opposition from Muslim parties, particularly if it happened before she had time to mend some political fences.

Indonesia is still in a very delicate state of recovery. It has passed its first democratic test, but it faces enormous economic problems, and its sense of self is fragmented at best. The eccentric pairing of the blind cleric and the mute princess will not enjoy a long honeymoon.