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Analysis: Cabinet reshuffle: Jokowi furthers own political agenda
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo ordered his eighth Cabinet reshuffle earlier this week with just over a year left of his second and final term in office.
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President Joko Widodo leads the inauguration of Indonesian Cabinet Officers and Ministers in the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday, 23 October 2019. (JP/Seto Wardhana / Adi / 19)
P
resident Joko “Jokowi” Widodo ordered his eighth Cabinet reshuffle earlier this week with just over a year left of his second and final term in office. As opposed to installing figures typically aimed at appeasing his grand coalition, Jokowi has appointed non-party figures this time around – a move that observers believe furthers Jokowi’s own political interests, without the influence of his allies, especially the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).
Replacing NasDem Party politician Johnny G. Plate as communications and information minister is Budi Arie Setiadi, who previously served as deputy villages, disadvantaged regions and transmigration minister. His deputy minister, a new post at the ministry, will be filled by Nezar Patria, who was an expert staff member at the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Ministry.
Budi’s previous position was succeeded by Paiman Raharjo. Rosan P. Roeslani had to relinquish his ambassadorial post in the United States after being appointed deputy SOEs minister, replacing Pahala N. Mansury, who will assume the deputy foreign minister post. Lastly, United Development Party (PPP) politician Syaiful Rahmat Dasuki was named deputy religious affairs minister, replacing his fellow party member Zainut Tauhid, who will contest the 2024 legislative elections.
Apart from this, Jokowi also appointed former PPP chairman Djan Faridz and Indonesian envoy to South Korea Gandi Sulistiyanto to the Presidential Advisory Board (Wantimpres).
This Cabinet shake-up has seen Jokowi award key figures of his volunteer supporter groups. Budi and Paiman, for example, lead ProJo and Sedulur Jokowi respectively, with both being prominent longtime volunteer groups of Jokowi. ProJo has been especially influential in having backed Jokowi since 2013 and crucial to his victories in both the 2014 and 2019 elections.
Meanwhile, Nezar and Pahala are both from the SOEs Ministry. Rosan, also a former Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) chairman, worked alongside his longtime friend Erick as part of Jokowi’s election campaign team in 2019.
It appears that the new Cabinet members are linked to Jokowi’s inner circle, leaving many to speculate the reasons behind this reshuffle. Firstly, Jokowi could be looking to secure the support and give back to those that were pivotal in his election wins, according to Firman Noor of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Secondly, Budi’s appointment specifically could be aimed at providing Jokowi with some influence over the media as his term comes to an end. Thirdly, with the 2024 general elections just around the corner, it makes sense for Jokowi to appoint non-party figures who will solely focus on their tasks in the government.
