Cabinet Reshuffling Must Be Performance-Based Instead Of Retribution For Political Parties

President Joko Widodo (Photo: Twitter @jokowi)

JAKARTA - Political observer Pangi Syarwi Chaniago warned that cabinet reshuffles should be performance-based rather than power-sharing. Namely, replacing ministers who have been considered incapable of addressing problems in ministries both independent and political background.

"The president has always said he has no burden anymore, that means the president could reshuffle ministers from the parliament if it is poor performance", Pangi said on Thursday, April 15.

According to him, the president can assess the performance of ministries that perform well and that are not satisfactory by referring to surveys as evaluation material. Related, the extent of public satisfaction with the ministry, as well as ministers whose performance is considered good and does not satisfy the public.

"Reshuffle should also have a clear measuring instrument, should not be assumptions let alone like or dislike. Or less popular in the promotion to the TV so it is considered not working. Let's not have a minister whose work is quiet but good and measurable", said Pangi.

The Executive Director of Voxpol Center, assessed, if the attitude and decision of the president on the change of nomenclature is based on careful consideration, then the decision to combine 2 ministries to create 1 new ministry is appropriate.

"The problem needs to be reshuffled or not remains there must be a basis and the reason. But it's not assumptions, perceptions, wild thoughts let alone just because it's about likes or dislikes, but what's the basis? What's the gauge? So it can be maintained or reshuffled. At least there is a survey that explains the ministry is performing well and not", explained Pangi.

In addition to the president's prerogative, Pangi said that the reshuffle is also part of saving public satisfaction with the president's performance and achievements. If the minister's performance does not meet expectations and the target is not even able to keep up with the president's work then it is time to be replaced.

"Reshuffle must be performance-based, as long as the reshuffle is based on the return of the presidential election, do not expect there will be an improvement in the performance of the government approval rating. The president has no burden, so this is the right momentum and fit to do it", Pangi said.