Jokowi Dismisses Rumor of Ahok`s Possible Appointment as Minister
26 April 2017 09:26 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Basuki Tjahaja Purnama alias Ahok has been bandied about as a possible candidate for a ministerial post following his defeat in Jakarta election to Anies Baswedan.
Political analyst Ray Rangkuti said Ahok could possibly be given the post of minister for state apparatus and bureaucratic reforms, currently held by Asman Abnur of the National Mandate Party (PAN). Moreover, PAN has often been at odds with the government. “It makes sense if PAN is being targeted because amid political turmoil, PAN is not standing beside President Joko Widodo, but against him,” he said.
The cabinet reshuffle rumor has, however, been dismissed by Jokowi. “There will be no reshuffle. Not today, this week, or this month,” he told reporters after attending Isra Mi’raj celebration at Cipulus Alhikamussalafiyah boarding school in Purwakarta, West Java, on Tuesday, April 25, 2017.
When asked about Ahok’s possible appointment as a minister, President Joko Widodo said that he has no plan to bring the incumbent Jakarta Governor to the so-called Working Cabinet. He wants Ahok to focus on his remaining duties before the inauguration of Jakarta governor-elect Anies Baswedan in October.
“Pak Ahok will still be a governor until October 2017,” Jokowi said.
S. DIAN ANDRYANTO | GHOIDA RAHMA | NANANG SUTISNA