JAKARTA - Sandiaga Uno explained the reason he wanted to join the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet as Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy. Sandiaga is willing to accept President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) 's proposal because he feels that all parties must unite in facing the COVID-19 pandemic.
"COVID-19 is a game changer. COVID-19 has changed everything, especially when in the last two weeks I have been contemplating, contemplating, reflecting, that we all finally have to unite," Sandiaga said after being sworn in at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday 23 December.
For this reason, Sandiaga finally wanted to enter the cabinet even though he had previously refused.
"Everything we do is in the interests of the nation and state. And if the state calls at this time, I think the responsibility lies with each of us," said the former Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta.
Separately, a spokesman for Sandiaga Uno, Kawendra Lukistian, said the Gerindra politician was willing to become a minister because of a heart call. Moreover, Sandiaga has always wanted to contribute to saving the country from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"A heart call to help contribute to saving the nation out of the COVID-19 pandemic," Kawendra said when contacted by reporters.
In addition, Kawendra emphasized that Sandiaga's entry into the cabinet of his former political opponent had also been approved by Gerindra Party Chairman Prabowo Subianto. In fact, Sandiaga said he had received a message from Prabowo to carry out his duties properly.
"Of course, with the blessing and communication with Pak Prabowo first. Our General Head at Gerindra advised all cadres who carry out the mandate to carry out their duties as well as possible," he said.
It is known, after the 2019 presidential election, Jokowi invited the Gerindra Party, which is his political opponent, to form a coalition in the 2019-2024 period. Jokowi installed Gerindra Chairman Prabowo Subianto as Minister of Defense and Edhy Prabowo as Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
However, after Edhy Prabowo was named a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in the bribery case for the export of lobster fry or lobster seeds, Jokowi then invited Sandiaga to enter his cabinet to take up the post of Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy.
Sandiaga was then introduced along with a number of names, namely Tri Rismaharini who was later appointed as Minister of Social Affairs, Muhammad Lutfi who was later appointed as Minister of Trade, Yaqut Choilil as Minister of Religion, Budi Gunadi Sadikin as Minister of Health, and Sakti Wahyu Trenggono as Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
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