Jokowi Reaffirms Cabinet Solidarity Amid Political Haze Ahead of Election

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi spoke up about the condition of his current cabinet amid the political haze ahead of the general elections. 

"[The cabinet is] very much solid," Jokowi said on the sidelines of his visit to Klaten, Central Java, today, as quoted from Presidential Secretariat audio.

Ahead of the general elections in February, there are rumors of resignation among the president's cabinet members. There are also rumors of an uncomfortable atmosphere in the administration, as stated by PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto.

He claimed to have obtained the info from the Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini, a member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle. To Hasto, Risma mentioned that cabinet meetings were getting "uncomfortable". 

"The situation during cabinet meetings felt uncomfortable. But for the people and the nation, [they] must shake off the feeling to conduct their duty with integrity," Hasto said on Monday, Jan. 29.

Coordinator of Presidential Special Staff Ari Dwipayana denied the rumors entirely. The presidential palace accused several parties were deliberately orchestrating an exaggerated political narration of how cabinet members are disappointed in Jokowi.

"The narration is not based on facts," Ari said on Wednesday in a written statement.

The Jokowi cabinet is currently consisted of various political parties with their own interests. PDIP, for example, is backing Ganjar Pranowo and Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud Md during the general elections. The party has been associated with Jokowi for most of his time in office.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto is running with Jokowi's son Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Both are backed by the Gerindra Party, PAN, and Golkar Party which houses members of the cabinet. 

Nasdem Party and The National Awakening Party, on the other hand, backed Anies Baswedan and Muhaimin Iskandar.

DANIEL A. FAJRI