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resident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono appointed in Jakarta on Monday three of his close aides to strategic ministerial posts, a move analysts say is an attempt to strengthen his grip on power and secure funding ahead of the 2014 elections.

While the final face of the new reshuffled Cabinet would not be seen until Tuesday afternoon, Yudhoyono is likely to maintain if not increase the number of ministers from the Golkar Party, largely considered to be the country’s most powerful party, in his Cabinet.

Incorporating politicians from Golkar, the country’s oldest political party, would likely ensure stability for his administration’s final three years before the 2014 elections, as much of its political clout in the House of Representatives is based in its coalition with Golkar.

Yudhoyono pushed for the appointment of Amir Syamsuddin, one of his closest aides to the position of law and human rights minister, currently occupied by Patrialis Akbar of the National Mandate Party (PAN).

PAN has been left with the relatively minor post of state administrative reforms minister, with party member Azwar Abubakar, who is a former Aceh deputy governor and a lawmaker, taking over the post.

His long-time ally, Gita Wirjawan, who is currently the chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), will take up the post of trade minister. Rumors suggest that the current trade minister, Mari Pangestu, is slated to be moved to head the Culture and Tourism Ministry, replacing Democratic Party official Jero Wacik, who could become transportation minister or Energy and mineral resources minister, both of which are considered more important.

Gita is a respected businessman whose tenure has been seen as a success for his role in attracting foreign investment. Some said that Yudhoyono was indebted to Gita, who reportedly used his connections to help Yudhoyono’s first son, Agus, get admitted to study at Harvard.

President Director of state electricity company PT PLN Dahlan Iskan will likely be promoted to state-owned enterprises minister, replacing ailing Mustafa Abubakar.

Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) professor of politics Ikrar Nusa Bhakti said that Yudhoyono’s maneuvers were aimed at gathering more power and financial clout for his Democratic Party.

“The government has said that Dahlan would re-arrange state firms to be profitable. However, behind this goal, we know that there are many political interests,” he said, adding that state firms were potential cash cows for the 2014 election.

The President also nominated Djan Faridz as the new public housing minister, replacing Suharso Monoarfa, who has resigned. Both are members of the United Development Party.

Yudhoyono also nominated Lt. Gen. Marciano Norman, to become the head of State Intelligence Agency, replacing former police Gen. Sutanto, a move likely intended to strengthen the military’s loyalty to his administration. Speculation suggests that Yudhoyono will share strategic Cabinet posts with Golkar to avoid a clash with the party.

Analysts have also said that Yudhoyono’s choices show that he wants a Cabinet that represents all major provinces in the country.

Outgoing state administrative reforms minister EE Mangindaan, for instance, could replace Freddy Numberi as the transportation minister. However, as Freddy is from Papua, he would probably remain in the Cabinet, or, if not, another Papuan would be elevated to the Cabinet to maintain Papuan representation.

Both Yudhoyono and Golkar would be interested in the communication and information post, which means it likely that the current minister, Tifatul Sembiring of the Prosperous and Justice Party, will be shown the door.