Reshuffle Called For Non-Professional Political Accommodator, Secretary Of State Staff: This Is A Working Team, Not Political Bargaining

Faldo Maldini/ANTARA

JAKARTA - The cabinet reshuffle carried out by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Wednesday, June 15, yesterday was said to accommodate political interests, not professional work.

In response to this, the Special Staff of the Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Faldo Maldini, said that the cabinet reshuffle was carried out to form a working team, not a matter of political bargaining.

"This is a matter of strengthening the team to emerge from the pandemic, forming a working team, not a matter of political bargaining. So we shouldn't speculate anywhere. We'll just focus on government issues," Faldo said in his statement, Thursday, June 16.

In addition, said Faldo, a reshuffle was also carried out to address urgent needs related to basic commodities. Accordingly, according to him, the President has already considered appointing his assistants.

"The president has a measure of the function of work. This reshuffle is an effort to answer public opinion so far. We see that there is an urgent need for basic materials and food ingredients. So, don't speculate," he said.

Faldo believes that the change of ministers made by President Jokowi will strengthen the work of his cabinet and complete targets that have not been achieved until 2024.

"The remaining time we have now will be used optimally. Targets that have not been achieved, must be accelerated. This is what we believe and our main focus at this time," concluded Faldo

Previously, Member of Commission VI of the DPR PKS faction, Amin Ak, assessed that the General Chair of PAN, Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) was not suitable as the Minister of Trade (Mendag) because it did not match his track record.

It is known that Zulhas was the Minister of Forestry and Chair of the People's Consultative Assembly. Prior to his appointment as Minister of Trade, he still served as Deputy Chairman of the MPR.

"I congratulate Ketum PAN Zulkifli Hasan on his appointment as Minister of Trade. (But) I think that the position as Minister of Trade is actually not in line with Zulhas' track record," Amin Ak told reporters, Thursday, June 16.

According to the PKS politician, the change in the position of the Minister of Trade from M Lutfi to Zulhas tends to be motivated by political accommodation. The reason is, since joining the government, PAN has not yet received a seat in the cabinet.

"His appointment as Trade Minister is more due to political accommodation factors than professionalism considerations," said Amin.