Rizal Ramli Inaugurated As Coordinating Minister For Maritime Affairs In Today's Memory, August 12, 2015

Rizal Ramli, who once served as Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs in the 2015-2016 era. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA Memories of today, nine years ago, August 12, 2015, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) appointed Rizal Ramli as Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs (Menko Maritime). Rizal's appointment is considered capable of providing new colors in the Jokowi administration.

Previously, Rizal was known to many people like a fighter. His behavior is at odds with no two governments. He dared to speak out when he saw injustice. He not only dared to criticize the New Order (Orba) but also the government after that.

There is no right word to call Rizal Ramli's figure other than a fighter. The man who was born in Padang on December 10, 1954, is known as a student activist at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) in the 1970s. He often criticized Suharto and New Order's policies.

He openly criticized Suharto's lust for power. Moreover, Suharto wants to return to the seat of President of Indonesia for the third term. The New Order was furious and brought Rizal to feel the coldness of the Sukamiskin Prison wall in 1978.

Rizal didn't stop. After prison, he tried to start his education at Sophia University Japan, then Boston University, United States. His life as an economist in the 1990s began. He returned to the path of activists. He criticized all New Order's bad policies, from national car affairs to Freefort gold mines.

Deru's criticism made the New Order furious again. However, what power, the New Order's power actually collapsed in 1998. Later, President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) asked him to enter into the circle of power. Rizal tried to be tested with a series of high positions.

He was once the Head of the Logistics Affairs Agency (Bulog). However, Gus Dur then changed his mind and made Rizal a minister. He served as Coordinating Minister for Economics, Finance and Industry. Instead of not being able to work, Rizal was able to work well.

He was able to increase gross domestic product. He was also able to reduce foreign debt. However, his power ended when Gus Dur was no longer Indonesia's number one person. Rizal also seemed to return to his fitrah' as an activist.

He helped control the course of government. In fact, he actively criticized the Megawati era, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), and Jokowi.

"The change of government from Gus Dur to Megawati in 2001 made Rizal Ramli no longer a minister. He was given the position of commissioner in a number of state-owned enterprises, including Bank BNI and Semen Gresik. This comfortable position did not relax his enthusiasm as an activist who was diligent in criticizing government policies," said Reza Maulana in his writing in the Tempo newspaper entitled Endowment Role Rizal Ramli (2024).

Rizal's criticisms are indeed scathing. However, Jokowi has his own way. He tried to invite Rizal to join his government. Jokowi mentioned this wish as the wishes of the Indonesian people.

This wish was conveyed directly to Rizal. Rizal could not refuse it. He was honored to be able to help Jokowi. As a result, Rizal was then appointed by Jokowi as Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs at the State Palace on August 12, 2015.

Rizal at that time replaced Indroyono Soesilo. Rizal's presence is considered to be able to bring a new color. Sure enough, Rizal's leadership brought a different color. He dared to appear as it was.

He even often criticizes other ministerial policies that harm the people. He dared to appear opposite to many people. Rizal also opened up the ulcers of poor coordination in government order.

"I actually hesitate to accept this position, but I am touched that President Jokowi really asked me to join. In fact, he said, those who asked were the Indonesian people. In the past, we (I) were offered zero ministers. )

"But because Jokowi is serious. Pak Jokowi said that this was not Jokowi. What am I? What is asking is the people of Indonesia because we are in a lot of trouble. When Jokowi said that, I was weak and decided to be willing to help the President," Rizal said as quoted by Kompas.com page, August 12, 2015.

Rizal Ramli was born in Padang on December 10, 1954, and died in Jakarta on January 2, 2024 due to illness.