Jokowi's Decision To Choose Luhut As Head Of National Water Resources Criticized By Many Parties

President Jokowi's decision to make Luhut Binsar Panjaitan the Head of National Water Resources has drawn criticism from many parties. (Doc. Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has been criticized by a number of parties for re-appointing Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan after the polemic of postponing the election and extending the presidential term. This time, Jokowi chose Luhut to be the Chairman of the National Water Resources (SDA) Council.

Luhut's appointment was based on Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 53 of 2022 concerning the National Water Resources Council which was signed by Jokowi on April 6, 2022. As it turned out, Luhut's position as Chair of the National SDA Council shifted the position of Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto. Thus, this is the umpteenth time that Luhut has shifted the positions of several Jokowi ministers to take over their main duties.

The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) considers the president's decision to again give Luhut a position, is really unhealthy and makes Jokowi look even weaker. "This is unhealthy. In a presidential system, absolute power is in the hands of the president. missions of ministers, including the coordinating minister. There are visions and missions of the President," said PKS DPP chairman Mardani Ali Sera, Saturday, April 9. According to Mardani, Luhut who holds many positions can actually damage the rhythm of ministerial solidarity. Because, he said, each ministry has its own main task and focus. "All of the ministry's powers have their own main tasks and focus. The presence of one minister who is seen entering many ministries can damage the rhythm of work and damage solidarity," he said.

Moreover, the member of Commission II of the DPR said that there was a one-man show tendency by re-appointing Luhut to other positions in the government.

"It is increasingly forming the impression of a weak President. Management can do it, but it does not build team solidity. The one man show tendency is not healthy for the organization," said Mardani.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chairperson of the Gerindra Party Fadli Zon called Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan like Menkosaurus or the Coordinating Minister for All Affairs.

"The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs seems to be very trusted by the President. Some even call him Menkosaurus (Coordinating Minister for All Affairs)," said Fadli Zon, Saturday, April 9.

This DPR member from the West Java electoral district sees Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan as having a very central role in Jokowi's government. In fact, he said, the push for Jokowi's extension of office is also suspected to be inseparable from Luhut's involvement.

"The role of the LBP feels very central in the government, like the prime minister. It even seems that he is among those who encourage the extension or addition of the President's term of office," he said.

However, Fadli Zon continues to criticize the re-election of Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan to the new position. He questioned Luhut's performance in his own field.

"It should only be in accordance with the main duties and functions. Evaluation can also be easy. For example, whether the investment that is touted has indeed been realized or is it just numbers. Have the development of the maritime sector, sea highways, and so on been achieved. Don't take too many positions but the results are minimal or no at all," concluded Fadli Zon commenting on President Jokowi's decision.