TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Gojek CEO Nadiem Makarim was noncommittal about a rumor of him being listed as a young minister candidate for Jokowi’s second cabinet. Nadiem said he did not want to comment on any issue related to the ministerial nomination.

“I’m sorry I have no comment. Not now,” said Nadiem when met in the opening ceremony of 2019 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show or GIIAS, Thursday, July 18.

Donning grey batik shirt, Nadiem showed no facial expression when reporters asked about the ministerial nomination and kept walking toward his car.

Not only did he refuse to say something about the issue, but Nadiem was also tight-lipped to answer any question, including about a new product launched by Gojek.

Reports about young ministers to fill in Widodo’s next cabinet had emerged since Constitutional Court rejected all appeals by the losing party, Prabowo Subianto - Sandiaga Uno, in light of the alleged presidential election dispute.

The president-elect reportedly held several names who would take young ministerial seats, such as Nadiem Makarim, Bukalapak CEO Ahmad Zaky, and chairman of the Association of Young Indonesian Businessmen (HIPMI) Bahlil Lahadalia.

In response to an issue about Nadiem to join in Jokowi’s cabinet, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said the CEO had proved his success in the digital startup. Moreover, he added, the first country’s decacorn had expanded the business to foreign countries. Kalla then opined Nadiem would be better focused on managing his current business.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA | EGY ADYATAMA