Cabinet Reshuffle, Jokowi Favors Young and Bright State Ministers

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In front of audience members comprised of coalition political party leaders on April 18, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo announced the criteria he looks for in a state minister that would fill his future cabinet.

The Tempo Magazine May 13-19 edition reported Jokowi’s eagerness to work with young Ministers if he chooses to reshuffle his cabinet members. The president’s statement was recalled by Indonesian Unity Party leader Ahmad Rofiq.

“They would be aged from 20-40 years of age and must be bright,” said Ahmad Rofiq in the magazine piece.

Read: Anti-graft Watchdog Urges Jokowi to Start Selecting KPK Leaders

Ahmad’s testimony was confirmed by United Development Party secretary-general Arsul Sani and NasDem Party secretary-general Johnny G. Plate, who were present at the meeting that was held to celebrate the numerous quick count results that favored Jokowi – Ma’ruf Amin in the presidential election.

This was not the only time Jokowi expressed his preference toward young bright state ministers as his presidential campaign team spokeswoman Irma Suryani Chaniago expressed the urgency of having younger people support the government’s inner workings in the wake of the industrial revolution 4.0.

“The president wants the new cabinet to be more colorful,” said Irma.

Rumors of a cabinet reshuffle became stronger after Presidential spokesman Johan Budi Sapta Pribowo gave several hints that the latest reshuffle might possibly take place after Ramadan’s Eid al Fitr holiday.

DEWI NURITA