Cabinet Reshuffle; Ahok Could be Bureaucracy Reform Minister

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo has signaled for another cabinet reshuffle. When opening the Muslims Economic Forum Umat held by Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) last weekend, Jokowi mentioned that ministers who failed to meet targets could be replaced. 

Speculations begun to emerge since; one of them is the inclusion of Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok—who just lost the election—as a minister. 

"If in terms of personality and professionalism, there is no problem. [What matters] is the aspect of political considerations," political analyst Ray Rangkuti told Tempo on Tuesday, April 25.

Read: Reshuffle to Prevent Ministers from Staying in Comfort Zone

Ray said that the main consideration is the impact of Ahok's presence in the ministerial cabinet; will it be a positive or negative one.

"There may be political risks that can affect people's confidence in Jokowi," he said.

However, when it comes to ability and capacity as a civil servant, he said that Ahok's are undoubtedly good. 

Ray said that one of the positions that may be suitable for the Jakarta governor is as Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucracy Reform, which is now served by Asman Abnur from the National Mandate Party (PAN).

Read: Jokowi Plans Cabinet Reshuffle

Additionally, Ray said that ministers from PAN may face replacements as the party frequently opposes the government's policies and views.

"It makes sense that PAN is targeted, among them, because in the midst of this extraordinary political turmoil, PAN is siding with the opposition instead of staying on the President's side," he said.

Ray added that Ahok's qualification will make him a good Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucracy Reform, to improve the bureaucratic fundamentals of Indonesia.

Read: VP Kalla Says Reshuffle is Presidents Prerogative Right

"I think the president may need someone like that."

However, Ray warned of the political risks that Jokowi must take into account. "There are definitely risks if [Ahok is] appointed as minister," he said.

GHOIDA RAHMAH