Jokowi Hints on 1998 Activists as Upcoming Cabinet Members

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Incumbent presidential candidate Joko “Jokowi” Widodo hinted on types of individuals he would include in his upcoming cabinet if he is re-elected as a president again in 2019.

Jokowi said that he would prefer choosing strong characters with leadership traits who are brave enough to execute every difficult decision these people will certainly face in the future.

“Secondly, I need good people with capable managing skills,” said Jokowi in an event with former 1998 activists at the Hotel Grand Sahid Jaya on Sunday, June 16.

Unsurprisingly, he said that the traits he yearns in the people who will accompany him during his second term could be seen in the 98 activists who continue to take part in Indonesia’s political world. This effectively signals that the upcoming candidate could see a former “reformasi” activist as a State Minister.

Read: Jokowi's Call to be Criticized Answered by 98 Activist

“I have heard of many 98 activists who became House of Representatives (DPR) members, regional heads but have yet to see any of them as State Cabinet members. That could be possible, why not. With their current abilities, anything can happen,” said Jokowi on Sunday.

His statement formed a reaction from the audience who chanted Adian’s name as in Adian Napitupulu who is currently a politician in the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), which is the main political influence behind Jokowi.

However, asked about his reaction to Jokowi’s hint, Adian said in jest that he will not accept offers as a State Minister in the upcoming Cabinet. “I’m not tough enough to be a Minister under Jokowi’s leadership since it would be really exhausting,” said Adian.

DEWI NURITA