Tribunnews

Working under President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla over the past year has been a dynamic experience, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said on Tuesday.

Basuki said that Jokowi's administration ran at a fast tempo, which pushed the ministers to work harder.

"Just like a song, Jokowi's administration is like a rock and roll song," he told journalists on Tuesday.

Jokowi and Kalla were sworn in Oct. 20 after winning the 2014 presidential election.

Basuki said the former Jakarta governor never reprimanded his subordinates when it came to work. However, Jokowi would meticulously check the reports made by his ministers.

"If he rechecked our work it does not mean he does not trust us, but rather it's to cheer us on," he said.

Jokowi's first year has garnered critique as well as applause from analysts and politicians.

Meanwhile, economist and rector of private Paramadina University Firmanzah, applauded Jokowi's grand plans on building Indonesia's infrastructure.

However, he urged Jokowi to focus on eradicating poverty.

There are 28.59 million Indonesians living in poverty as of March 2015, according to data from the Central Statistic Agency (BPS) last month.

"Targeted poverty eradication programs must also be a focus of the government alongside infrastructure programs," said the former special staff member under former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Firmanzah also called for better and more solid cabinet ministers to help Jokowi in realizing his administration programs. Public and opposition parties have slammed Jokowi's ministers for having counter arguments internally, especially after the reshuffle in August. (rin)

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