TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Supporting parties of Joko Widodo-Jusuf Kalla began commencing talks upon minister quota in the upcoming cabinet. Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) Marwan Ja'far reminded Jokowi that the government's success depends on executive and legislative support. "Jokowi must accommodate political support," said Marwan.
Marwan said that no accommodation towards supporting political parties can cause the government to run less optimum. He added that political parties are essential when it comes to deal with the parliament, such as when making legislation and issuing budget. "Only political parties can solve this," he said.
As for the National Democratic Party (NasDem), Party Chief Akbar Faisal has said that the party holds on to the initial commitment of not requesting a portion in Jokowi's administration. "That will be against the spirit of mental revolution," he said.
He said that the cabinet is purely the authority of the elected president. NasDem also refuses to propose list of names to Jokowi. Akbar asked all parties to give Jokowi some space to arrange his cabinet without considering parties' interest.
From the National Democratic Party of Struggle, Deputy Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto said that the basic criteria of selecting minister is competence and integrity. However, Hasto also said that "promises made during campaign time should be realized".
WAYAN AGUS PURNOMO
