Jokowi Grants Minister Preening For Electability, PKB: Don't Thwart Each Other, Better Resign

Photo: BPMI Setpres

JAKARTA - National Awakening Party (PKB) politician Luqman Hakim welcomed the discourse of releasing ministers to increase popularity and electability by President Joko Widodo.

"If it is true that President Jokowi gave his blessing or encouragement to the cabinet to do so, of course for me this is good news. This is a sign that President Jokowi is thinking systematically for the regeneration of the national leadership in 2024," said Luqman Hakim to reporters, Tuesday, November 9. However, the Deputy Chairman of Commission II of the DPR admitted that he had never heard directly that Jokowi conveyed his 'blessing' to the ministers of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet to 'sell themselves'. Furthermore, according to Luqman, ministers need to fulfill a number of rights so that Jokowi's good intentions can be fulfilled. doesn't cause any problems. At least he said, there are 4 things that must be implemented by the ministers.

First, do not use the state budget for personal political activities. Second, ministers must continue to prioritize carrying out their duties as ministers. Third, there is no discrimination in providing services to the public based on differences in the direction of political support for the 2024 presidential election. "Ministry of performance cannot be in shambles because the minister is busy doing political branding," he stressed.

In addition, Luqman asked the ministers to continue to maintain cohesiveness as members of the cabinet. He also asked ministers not to be tempted to intrigue and tackle each other.

"If there is a stumbling block between ministers, the President must immediately give a strong reprimand. If necessary, he will be immediately removed, because it will disrupt the implementation of priority programs set by President Jokowi himself," said Luqman.

However, Luqman prefers that Jokowi give an opportunity to ministers of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet who want to run for president in 2024 to resign. This, he said, was to avoid potential abuse of power for the personal political interests of ministers in seeking political support for the 2024 presidential election.

"In my opinion, it would be better for President Jokowi to give the opportunity to resign to ministers who have now shown their desire to run for president/vice president in 2024 so that they can focus on preparing themselves and not interfere with the government's performance," concluded Luqman.

It is known that the news of President Jokowi releasing ministers to increase popularity and electability was conveyed by the Secretary General of the Gerindra Party, Ahmad Muzani. Muzani said Gerindra welcomed the ministers who entered the 2024 presidential candidate exchange.

"There is no problem. It means this, the President gives freedom to all his ministers to do, increase popularity and electability. And I think, as a democratic process, this is a healthy way to choose leaders. The more the better," said Muzani at The House of Representatives, Monday, November 8th.