TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Predictably, the struggle continues among people close to President Joko Widodo over the formation of his cabinet. He was warmly welcomed by a festive parade on the day of his inauguration on October 20, but Jokowi must now carry the hopes of many on his shoulders: a clean and professional government, resolute and impartial law enforcement, immediate economic improvements and policies that favor the ordinary people.
All those hopes must contend with the interests of a minority who are working for their interest groups: political parties, insiders and people who feel they must be compensated for providing a 'service' by supporting Jokowi in the elections. There is nothing wrong with allocating some ministries to the political parties in order to strengthen the coalition. Although Jokowi has said that he does not want to allocate seats, he still must form a joint government. At a time when public cynicism of political parties is so high, Jokowi said early on that he would allocate 16 of the 34 cabinet seats to the parties supporting him.
Neither can Jokowi be faulted for considering the opinions of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri, Vice President Jusuf Kalla or the former members of his transition team. Without Megawati's blessing, it would not have been possible for Jokowi to secure the presidential nomination. No matter how popular he is, Jokowi is not a party manager. His membership in the PDI-P only dates from 2005, when he ran for the job of mayor of Solo. In other words, he is a newcomer to the party.
Understandably, Jokowi must consider candidates recommended by Vice President Jusuf Kalla since they will be working together for the next five years. It is also right that the transition team be involved because they are skilled in drawing up a government platform.
Jokowi, who is always ready to listen to suggestions, must remember, however, that his desire for a clean and professional cabinet must not take second place to wanting to please everyone. While people close to him compete in submitting their candidates to protect their vested interests, Jokowi should show resolve. Ultimately, the formation of the cabinet is the prerogative of the president.
Jokowi must not be swayed by the opinions of Megawati, Jusuf Kalla, former transition team chief Rini Soemarno or others recommending candidates. In the last few days, we have seen some strange alliances: two or more people agreeing to back a prospective minister then argue with each other over other candidates.
Jokowi's move to involve the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Financial Transactions Reporting and Analysis Center (PPATK) is a commendable and smart way to select candidates with the help of others. These two organizations have the gravitas and the competence to examine the candidates' track records. If they are 'eliminated' by the KPK and the PPATK, there is little the candidates' sponsors can do. Therefore, voices opposing the involvement of the two organizations can be seen as speaking against the formation of a clean government.
Regrettably, the consultations between the presidential team and the KPK and PPATK was done publicly, making it easy to discover the names of candidates who were proposed and eliminated or not eliminated. This strategy can cause problems. Those fishing in muddy waters can easily spread misinformation, which can lead to disorder. It will not be clear who is right and who is not. There could be public uncertainty
The president and the KPK leaders should be reminded that the anti-graft body is an independent institution. A closed verification process would preserve the authority of the Commission. The statement by KPK Chairman Abraham Samad that within the next two to three months, the KPK will likely arrest candidates given a red tag strong indications of a person's involvement in corruption if they were chosen as ministers, was excessive and counterproductive. The job of the KPK is to investigate and jail corruptors, not with the selection of ministers.
The cabinet will be formed, no matter what. But the president must remind his deputies that keeping their jobs for five years is by no means a certainty. If they are not competent or if it later transpires that they have serious problems, they can be replaced and the door opened to cleaner people. The system of party representation in the second part of the cabinet formation can be ignored. The most important consideration should be that ministerial positions must be held by people who are clean and competent.
The people have high hopes for Joko Widodo. He must not ignore them. (*)
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