Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo has disclosed there is disharmony among the ministers in President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's Working Cabinet.

"There are certain ministers who like to belittle the President from behind the scenes [...] they do not thank him for being given positions as his assistants," Tjahjo wrote in a message received by Antara news agency on Sunday evening.

Tjahjo said a number of ministers were opposing the President, but he declined to mention them by name.

"The President's assistants (the ministers) are intact, meaning they should no longer be limited by their parties. They are all the President's assistants in their respective fields," he said.

Tjahjo said that the President had instructed all of his ministers to focus on governing. Therefore, they should not make any statements to the media that conflict with the President's policy.

"He (the President) has instructed his ministers to focus on work. I also ask them not to make statements that conflict with the President's," Tjahjo said as quoted by Antara.

If the ministers have any differences in opinion on government policy, Tjahjo said he urged them to talk directly with the President.

"I think President Jokowi will be open to accept any correction of his policy. Indonesia is democratic. Let them give their opinions directly to the President, not by making statements through the press," he said.

The Home Minister made the statements in response to questions on a possible reshuffle of the Working Cabinet.

"With regard to a Cabinet reshuffle, the ministers have to realize that it is the prerogative of the President when he wants to do it or not. That has to be appreciated," Tjahjo added. (hhr)(++++)

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