On Monday (17/7), President Joko Widodo performed a cabinet reshuffle for the 2019-2024 Indonesia Maju Cabinet at the State Palace in Jakarta.
President Joko Widodo appointed Budi Arie Setiadi as the Minister of Communication and Informatics, replacing Johnny G Plate, who was detained as a defendant in the BTS graft case.
Additionally, President Joko Widodo appointed Nezar Patria as the Deputy Minister of Communication and Informatics and four other deputy ministers: Pahala Mansury as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Paiman Raharjo as the Deputy Minister of Village, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration; Rosan Roeslani as the Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises; and Saiful Rahmat Dasuki as the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs.
Arya Budi, a Department of Politics and Government lecturer, opined that this cabinet reshuffle has several political perspectives.
First, it aims to fill vacant positions. Second, it is part of President Joko Widodo’s government consolidation, closely related to the 2024 elections. Third, it is a professional decision pertaining to the government’s performance.
President Joko Widodo wants to ensure a happy ending to his administration and maintain public satisfaction with his leadership.
When asked about the reshuffle being rumored as power-sharing, Arya Budi explained that such a practice had been done since 2020, 2021, and 2022.
This is not new and is prevalent in most democratic countries, especially those with coalition governments involving politicians in the cabinet. However, this time, the motive is to maintain public satisfaction with the government’s performance until the end of the term in 2024.
“There are several figures with interests, and President Joko Widodo’s main motive is to appoint people who can be controlled by him and have undergone screening to avoid involvement in cases,” clarified Arya Budi when asked whether the appointed figures are suitable for the positions assigned.
According to Arya Budi, the most challenging tasks and responsibilities belong to the Minister and Deputy Minister of Communication and Informatics due to the existing graft case that requires resolution and recovery efforts and the Ministry of Religious Affairs for Hajj implementation.
“Completing unfinished campaign promises, ensuring performance to prevent issues before the 2024 presidential transition, and law enforcement are some of the key tasks. I think the economic platform will be more critical for public satisfaction. If there are no changes until 2024 and we remain on track, without political upheaval or legal issues, we can say the current composition will be maximized,” he emphasized.
Author: Athif
Photo: Istimewa-rm.id