TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indobarometer Executive Director, Muhammad Qodari thinks that appointing Prabowo Subianto as defense minister will be a great decision taken President Jokowi at the start of his second term in office.

“Prabowo is the best option. I may argue that no one will have doubts if Prabowo gets appointed as defense minister. He is an expert in the field. We only need to wait for his ideas and suggestions ala Asian Tiger in terms of defense sovereignty,” said Qodari to Tempo today.

Moreover, Prabowo is seen as the most competent figure to fill the position as defense minister as he has experience as a military general in the past.

Asked about allegations of Prabowo’s involvement in Indonesia’s severe human rights violations in the past, Qodari said that only positive law is applicable in today’s age and that neither Prabowo or Wiranto will be hampered by the decade-long allegation.

Prabowo Subianto was invited to the State Palace by President Jokowi on Monday, October 21. Following a meeting with the President that lasted until the afternoon, Prabowo then said to journalists that; “I am permitted to say that I will assist [Jokowi] in terms of defense.”

HALIDA BUNGA