Minister Jokowi Gets Angry Again, Who Will Immediately Bounce Off?

Photo: BPMI Setpres / Muchlis Jr

JAKARTA - In less than a month, President Joko Widodo criticized the performance of his minister who was considered too relaxed. Is it a sign that a cabinet reshuffle is getting closer?

Jokowi conveyed this harsh criticism in a closed meeting, Tuesday, July 7, at the State Palace. President Jokowi's official website released this news one day later, Wednesday, June 8.

Jokowi urged all his ministers to accelerate government spending so that they can immediately move the economy. The third quarter of this year, said Jokowi, will be the key to efforts to recover the national economy amid the pandemic.

"I now see that the ministry's spending is daily. How many percent increase. Daily, I see it right now. Because this is the key in the third quarter. Once the third quarter can be leveraged to plus (economic growth), yes, the fourth quarter will be easier, next year. God willing, it will also be easier, "said Jokowi.

State spending is Jokowi's hope so that the economy can move fast during this pandemic. Jokowi wants his ministers to be more creative in finding solutions to complicated bureaucratic matters.

"In a crisis situation, we should work even harder. Don't work just ordinary. Work harder and work faster. That's what I want in current conditions. Making a Permen (Ministerial Regulation) which usually takes 2 weeks a day is over. , make a PP (Government Regulation) which is usually completed in a month, 2 days, that's what I want, "said the president.

If we are not terrified and think this is normal, oh my, this is very dangerous. Shopping is also mediocre, our spending is mediocre, there is no acceleration

President Joko Widodo

"I ask for everything to be accelerated, especially those with large budgets. This is the Ministry of Education and Culture, which has Rp. 70.7 trillion, the Ministry of Social Affairs Rp. 104.4 trillion, the Ministry of Defense Rp. 117.9 trillion, the Police Rp. 92.6 trillion, the Ministry of Transportation Rp. 32.7 trillion," Jokowi continued.

The Head of State asked his staff to work based on the context of the crisis and not under normal circumstances. In addition, government spending must also prioritize domestic products.

"I think the expenditures that used to be spent spending are braked first. Buy, spend, are our products. For what? The economy will be triggered, it can spur our growth, our (economic) growth," the president added.

"Do not buy anything from outside, let alone only masks, we produce a lot of PPE (personal protective equipment). We produce 17 million of our PPE (personal protective equipment) per month. Even though we only use about 4 to 5 million (units). I beg you for things like this. Mr / Ms Minister, Pak Secretary General, Pak Director General, all know the problems and problems we face, "said Jokowi.