TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Jokowi’s decision to appoint seven special staffers from the younger generation that he dubbed “Millennial staffers” has triggered mixed responses from members of the public.

Many questioned whether the members he picked are worthy to take the task as a president’s special staffer but many have also expressed optimism for the millennial’s arrival inside the government’s core structure.

“We need to give them a chance and wait for the millennial staffers’ [performance]. Whether they are able to provide a breeze of fresh air and help create policies that are relevant, creative, and innovative to help answer many issues the public faces,” said Adinda Tenriangke Muchtar, executive director of The Indonesian Institute (TII) to Tempo on Monday, November 25.

Adinda also mentioned the special staffers’ backgrounds that have experience in establishing startup companies, and how that collective experience may help eliminate boundaries in the government’s policy-making process.

“Especially considering that they are entrepreneurs that have creativity and skill to create innovation,” she said.

However, Adinda remained realistic and acknowledged that the young special staffers will face challenges in adapting to the environment within the government. She called for the millennial special staffers to put forth transparency, accountability, and credibility, especially in terms of policy-making among political party representatives and business stakeholders.

President Jokowi previously introduced seven special staffers he dubbed as his millennial staffers that comprise; Putri Indahsari Tanjung (Creativepreneur founder), Adamas Belva Devara (Ruangguru founder), Ayu Kartika Dewi (SabangMerauke originator). Angkie Yudistia (Thisable Enterprise founder), Gracia Billy Mambrasar (CEO and founder of Kitong Bisa), Aminuddin Ma’ruf (Pergerakan Mahasiswa Indonesia former chairman), and Andri Taufan Garuda (CEO of Amartha).

EKO WAHYUDI