Assignments of some ministers in the United Indonesia Cabinet (KIB) has been based on political interests, which many considered as "not based on professionalism". This has intentionally been done by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) to control the minister’s performance more to keep them loyal and have the same characteristics.
"Professionalism is sacrificed. The way he appointed people who are not the experts in their fields is a form of security needed by SBY in order to control his cabinet, "said political observer UGM, Dr. Abdul Gaffar Karim at UGM, Tuesday (20/10). Gaffar said that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono seems to build political power as strong as possible through his ministers. Therefore, under his leadership, the ministers will have the same image.
Meanwhile, PDI-P, Hanura, and Gerindra parties, according to Gaffar, should not participate in government to control the work of the government through the Parliament so that there is a balance to the executive body.
Similar opinion was also expressed by the Director of the Institute for Research and Empowerment (IRE) Yogyakarta, Arie Sudjito, S.Sos., M.Sc. In his opinion, the composition of the present cabinet does not meet the capacity. Therefore, it is hard to create optimism among the public. "On SBY-Boediono, I am optimistic, but on the cabinet, I am very pessimistic," added Arie.
He also said that now people do not need abstract but concrete and measurable programs that are conducted with clear measurement. Therefore, the civil society, parliament, and opposition should do the monitoring of the government’s performance during the next 100 days.