Sri Mulyani Clever, Erick Thohir Innovative, HIPPI Suggests To Jokowi: Find Professional Figures Not Political Parties

JAKARTA - The issue of a cabinet reshuffle is still a hot topic after the circulation of information that President Joko Widodo will appoint a new minister this week.

Moreover, regarding the merger of the Ministry of Education and Culture with the Ministry of Research and Technology, as well as the addition of the Ministry of Investment.

Chairman of the DPD Association of Indigenous Indonesian Entrepreneurs (HIPPI) DKI Jakarta Sarman Simanjorang hopes that President Jokowi will consider choosing professional figures rather than parties.

"The business world hopes that the President puts forward a professional and qualified figure in his field, not for political parties so as not to have a burden on his party", said Sarman in Jakarta, Monday, April 19.

However, if it has to be taken from political parties, HIPPI asks President Jokowi to really look at the background, track record, achievements, and experiences of his prospective ministers.

Because said Sarman, the business world really hopes that the reshuffle can answer the nation's current problems, namely in the health and economic sectors.

Sarman assessed that there were several Ministers whose performance had been considered good so far. Like Minister of State-Owned Corporation Erick Thohir, who made innovation to become the economic locomotive in various sectors.

There is also Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani who is adept at formulating fiscal policy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to save state finances and the financial industry.

Also, the Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono can build various infrastructure projects. Then, the Head of Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board Bahlil Lahadalia, who was able to exceed the investment target in 2020, can be used as a benchmark with the new minister later.

"We hope that this reshuffle will not make the wrong choice to appoint a new minister so that the market will respond positively and our economy can bounce back with positive growth", he said.

Sarman also appreciated the formation of the Ministry of Investment to be very strategic because it is one of the implementations of the Job Creation Law to increase the flow of heavy investment flowing to Indonesia to move the national economy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"No less strategic than the entry of investors, it is hoped that it will be able to employ the nation's children who really need it, especially in the current conditions and situation", said Sarman.