Observer: A Minister Is Needed Who Dare To Put Up Bodies In Difficult Situations

JAKARTA - Political analyst and Executive Director of the Voxpol Center for Research and Consulting Pangi Syarwi Chaniago gave his appreciation to ministers who dare to appear in public during difficult situations. Moreover, he said, in difficult environmental, social and economic conditions due to the corona virus pandemic or COVID-19, the appearance of the minister in public is very important.

At times like this, President Jokowi, said Pangi, needed ministers who were loyal and could become the media to communicate the government's steps. In particular, Pangi praised BUMN Minister Erick Thohir who was considered to be brave enough to put up a body for the President in the midst of such a difficult situation.

"Here you will see the names of loyal ministers. Ministers who dare to appear in difficult situations to defend government policies. I see Erick Thohir daring to do so," said Pangi, in his statement, Tuesday, March 31.

According to Pangi, communication skills are needed in current conditions. This is so that there are no misperceptions that arise due to the official's incorrect communication style. Communication is also very important to be able to bridge what the government is doing in the field to make it known to the people.

In this regard, Pangi praised Erick's communication skills which were able to minimize negative perceptions of the government.

"Pak Erick shows his skill in communicating. Because at this time what is needed is not just a minister who appears but also does not create negative perceptions," said Pangi.

The minister's courage to install the agency in a difficult situation like this will also make the people give appreciation. Therefore Pangi is not surprised if the electability level of ministers like Erick Thohir or Sri Mulyani is high in the eyes of the public.

"Because the public sees the minister as purely from his performance. When the performance is good, appreciation will automatically emerge," said Pangi.

The appreciation given by the Voxpol analyst was inseparable from Erick's quick steps with his ministry in dealing with the Corona pandemic. Erick is considered not only to have contributed to anticipating the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of health, but also has the courage to take policies to save economic and monetary conditions.

One of the steps is to encourage state-owned banks to provide relaxation to the affected business sector. Not only that, in the midst of a difficult economic situation, the Ministry of BUMN was still able to fulfill its promise to pay 15 thousand Jiwasraya policy customers. This step is considered to be very meaningful in restoring confidence in the economy, especially the world of national insurance.