TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Having led an automotive company during the political and economic turbulence of 1998 to 2000, Rini Mariani Soemarno, 56, is no stranger to crises. She reckons that particular experience will serve her well in her new job as chief of staff of the Joko Widodo-Jusuf Kalla Transition Team. Formed by the president-elect himself, the team is tasked with preparing everything, including the inauguration ceremony scheduled for October 20.
Yet Rini's appointment has raised suspicions and worries among certain groups, the main reason being the close relationship between this former trade and industry minister (2001-2004) with Megawati Soekarnoputri, chair of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). It is no secret that during the recent presidential campaign, Jokowi was criticized as a 'puppet' of Megawati, part of the smear campaign against him.
Rini is part of Megawati's innermost circle. She was entrusted with many responsibilities when Megawati served as the nation's fifth president, both on domestic and international issues. Not surprisingly therefore, in the middle of last year Megawati had asked Rini to form a team in preparation for this year's general and presidential elections. Rini carried out her mandate along with Megawati's son, Prananda Prabowo and Cornelis Lay, another person close to the PDI-P head.
Last week, Rini spoke to Tempo at the office of the transition team in Central Jakarta. She was later joined by her four deputies: Andi Widjajanto, Anies Baswedan, Hasto Kristiyanto and Akbar Faisal.
Did you come up with this transition team concept?
The principal idea came from Pak Jokowi himself. He thought about what should be done following the July 9 elections, then after August 22 (when the Constitutional Court decides on the Prabowo Subianto-Hatta Rajasa lawsuit). He realized we didn't have much time. Whatever happens, time ticks on, problems continue, Indonesia moves forward. So we should make good use of time, like prepare ourselves when October 20 rolls around and the president is sworn-in.
Did Jokowi indicate that a team was needed?
Yes. The transition team is actually based on the campaign team. The difference is that I'm in it. I was summoned to discuss seriously issues of transition during the Lebaran holidays when I was first asked to come over to his home at 5pm, bearing a first draft of the team's structure. After that, Pak Jokowi flew to Solo, carrying with him my suggestions.
When were you informed that you would head the team?
On August 3, one day before the team was announced. I said don't make me the head, just the deputy. Make Andi the chief. I'll work behind the scenes. At that time, Pak Jokowi immediately appointed me as chief of staff, Mas Hasto (Kristiyanto) as secretary and Andi Widjajanto as deputy. Then he added Anies Baswedan and Akbar Faisal, but with clarifying it.
Does Jokowi work here?
In the evenings, yes. In the morning, he's the governor. We figure he will use this office in the evenings and weekends.
Will Jusuf Kalla also come here to work?
That is our hope. For sure, we will prepare two offices, one for Pak Jokowi and the other for Pak Kalla. That's the plan. This place was chosen for meetings where all thinking continues to function. After all, we are no longer campaigning, so we needed a place to process all that we obtained from the campaign.
By the way, since when were you close to Megawati?
My father (deceased) was in the cabinet of Pak Sukarno. My older siblings were close friends of Mas Guntur (Megawati's brother) and my older sister attended the same school as Ibu Sukma. Only I never interacted much with them because of the age difference. When Ibu Mega became president, she called me. "Mbak Rini, I am Megawati Soekarnoputri. Would you like to help me in the cabinet?" she asked. My response was "As what?" She answered as minister of trade and industry. I told her, "That is an area I am experienced with and know about. Thank you for your trust in me." That was the first time we interacted. Before that we never met.
Why did she select you?
Much later, I asked her why she chose me although we had never met. She said, "I know about you." After I was sworn in, I asked again the same question. She replied, "I had never seen a woman publicly protesting. I need someone like that." (*)
Read the full interview in this week's edition of Tempo English Magazine
