Hardjuno Wiwoho: Prabowo Is Very Good At Choosing Ministers

Legal observer, Hardjuno Wiwoho. (Photo: Special)

JAKARTA The criticism of the composition of the Red and White Cabinet of the Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rarabuming Raka governments has not yet subsided. The trigger is that cabinet personnel who are considered to have accommodated the interests of political parties more than professionals.

However, a legal observer who is also an anti-corruption activist, Hardjuno Wiwoho, believes that criticism of the structure of the Red and White Cabinet is inappropriate. The reason is, the figures chosen have qualified skills and competencies in their fields.

"I see it, the competence of this cabinet member is very complete. And at the same time dismissing the assumption that there is a "strengthening" in the preparation of this cabinet," said Hardjuno in Jakarta, Wednesday, October 23.

According to Hardjuno, President Prabowo is very smart and even good at choosing his assistants. This is reflected in the composition of the cabinet which is very perfect and comprehensive.

This cabinet is an ideal combination of political and professional parties that are competent in their respective fields.

"In fact, if we look at Gerindra's internal circles, several key figures are trusted to hold strategic positions," explained Hardjuno.

Names such as Prasetyo Hadi who was appointed Minister of State Secretary, Sugiono as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Supratman Andi Agtas who became Minister of Law, and Fadli Zon as Minister of Culture showed that the Gerindra Party had a significant role in this cabinet.

Hardjuno emphasized that the involvement of Gerindra internal figures shows that this cabinet does not only accommodate the interests of other parties. But President Prabowo puts forward competent and loyal party figures, and has a good track record in politics and government.

Furthermore, Hardjuno, who is also a candidate for Doctor Unair, assessed that the composition of the Red and White Cabinet was balanced between party cadres and professionals.

"Just look at the many professionals from various fields who occupy important positions," he explained.

Names such as Dody Hanggodo, who is trusted as Minister of Public Works (PU), and Sri Mulyani Indrawati who was re-appointed as Minister of Finance, showed Prabowo's desire to ensure that the ministry is filled by those who have qualified technical expertise.

"This clearly shows that Prabowo's cabinet not only accommodates political parties, but also pays attention to professionalism and competence," Hardjuno continued.

Likewise with figures such as Budi Gunadi Sadikin (Minister of Health), Sakti Wahyu Trenggono (Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries), and Erick Thohir (Minister of SOEs), as evidence of a credible professional presence in this cabinet. Therefore Hardjuno dismissed the criticism that said the cabinet only accommodated political interests.

'This is certainly baseless. This cabinet reflects the balance between party interests, especially Gerindra, and the need for technocratics filled by experienced professionals in their respective fields," he explained.

Furthermore, Hardjuno suggested that political observers be more observant about the composition of this cabinet and not rush to provide an assessment.

We hope that Prabowo's cabinet will be able to work optimally with support from various backgrounds, both from parties and professionals, to bring Indonesia forward. We'll just have to wait for them to work 100 days in the future. Don't rush to judge, that means this. Mr. Prabowo is our president, let's wait for him and his team to work. I really hope that the corruption eradication agenda will be the top priority. Whoever the minister must have a strong commitment to anti-corruption," concluded Hardjuno.