High Trade Challenges, Economists Disappointed Jokowi Appoints Trade Minister From Political Parties

JAKARTA - Economist and Director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies Bhima Yudhistira admitted that he was disappointed with the decision of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to appoint the new Minister of Trade from the general chairman of political parties, not from professionals.

Because, according to Bhima, the current trade challenges are very high.

As is known, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has officially inaugurated the General Chair of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Zulkifli Hasan and former TNI Commander Hadi Tjahjanto as ministers in the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet at the State Palace on Wednesday, June 15.

"Of course there is a bit of disappointment if the trade minister is from the political party head. In fact, the trade minister is the one whose performance is most highlighted," he told VOI, Thursday, June 16.

Bhima said that the homework (PR) of future trade challenges is not only about maintaining food price stability in the country, but also improving export performance.

In addition, said Bhima, also how trade can be coordinated with other sectoral ministries.

However, continued Bhima, because this is President Jokowi's choice, it is only a matter of waiting for the next 100 days how the performance of the Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan as Muhammad Lutfi's replacement.

"I think we will give it 100 days if this is indeed the President's choice. In the next 100 days, will the simplest problem be that of cooking oil nationally, the price can drop below the highest retail price, and the distribution chain can be improved," he said. " he said.

In addition, said Bhima, in the next 100 working days, the PR of the new trade minister will be on the export side, following the pressure of the economic recession in the United States and also fluctuations in global demand.

"The export performance must be of higher quality, not just because the trade balance is fat because of commodities. But exports of added value or exports of manufactured goods," he said.

According to Bhima, if you look at the track record of the Minister of Trade, Zulkifli Hasan, it is relatively democratic and has been more open to input.

"But what has to be seen is how in the next 100 days. Can Mr. Zulhas be able to prove to the public that the post of trade minister is not only a political deposit, but is indeed filled by the right person. We will see in the next 100 days. so," he said.