TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo may replace a number of ministers in the third cabinet reshuffle. At least four ministers are facing the sack.
Hendrawan Supratikno, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Central Executive Board Economic Division director, said that some ministers are deemed underperforming. First is Education and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy. According to him, the successor of Anies Baswedan often issues controversial policies, including proposed moratorium on the national exam.
Presidential chief of staff Teten Masduki and Research, Technology, and High Education Minister Muhammad Nasir could also be replaced. Hendrawan did not explain the reason. “One thing is for sure, we [the PDIP] have conducted evaluations using targets and programs as parameters for achievements,” he said on Monday, January 2, 2017.
An official of the PDIP said that Teten’s performance was disappointing, particularly his failure to dampen blasphemy issue embroiling inactive Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama alias Ahok, leading to massive protests on November 4 and December 2, 2016. Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin is also put under the spotlight after failing to handle Muslim organizations during the two rallies.
An official claiming to have inside information on cabinet reshuffle said that Minister Nasir is among those facing removal due to campus presidential election scandal. Tempo magazine October 24 edition exposes alleged bribes in presidential elections at several state universities that allegedly involved Minister Nasir’s confidantes. Mr. Nasir has denied the allegation.
The United Development Party (PPP) secretary general Arsul Sani said suspects that others have been vying for Religious Affairs Ministry post currently held by the party’s cadre Lukman. According to him, Mr. Lukman’s performance is satisfactory and he should not be replaced. “Look at his performance,” he said. Mr. Lukman himself has fully left the decision to the President.
Minister Muhadjir could not immediately be reached for comment. Meanwhile, Teten has declined to comment. “I don’t want to comment,” he said at the Presidential Palace on Thursday, December 29, 2016.
Minister Nasir has also declined to comment. However, the National Awakening Party (PKB) Consultative Body secretary Syaiful Bahri Anshori is confident that his cadre will not be sacked. “There is no [cabinet] reshuffle,” he said.
HUSSEIN ABRI DONGORAN | ISTMAN M.P. | MITRA TARIGAN