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Insight: Beyond the political pie: Envisioning a capable and agile Indonesian cabinet
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(Courtesy of The Jakarta Post)
Lately, in nearly every conversation I have had, from coffee shops to conference rooms, the buzz is all about Indonesia's new administration, which will take office in October. However, it is not so much about the quality or capabilities of potential leaders; it is mostly about who gets which slice of the political pie. This kind of talk, while typical, really highlights a crucial shift we need to make: our focus must turn to appointing leaders who can really handle the intricacies of modern governance.
However, the realization dawns on me that simply putting capable people in positions of power is not enough. Our previous cabinets were not short on politically savvy technocrats, yet they often hit roadblocks when pushing forward reforms. A major stumbling block has always been our governmental structure, which can be rigid and unwelcoming to change.
Having skilled ministers without an agile and supportive cabinet structure is like having star athletes without effective coaching or a game plan. Individual excellence can only go so far without strategic guidance and a plan that adapts to changing game conditions. They might shine individually, but without the right guidance and a flexible approach, they will not win championships. Similarly, a dynamic government structure is critical to channel each minister’s potential toward our nation's success.
Today's challenges, from bridging the gap between the rich and the poor in urban and rural areas, managing health emergencies like the recent pandemic, to ensuring sustainable development amid rapid technological advances, demand a holistic and swift governmental response. It is urgent that we foster a more adaptable and agile government, crucial for responding to emergencies and seizing developmental opportunities promptly.
Traditional government architecture, which groups similar functions across ministries, is inadequate for addressing complex, multidimensional issues such as the decarbonization versus economic growth dilemma. Moreover, the lack of technocratic support in policy-making and rigid legal frameworks restricts governmental flexibility, emphasizing the urgent need for a more dynamic approach to governmental restructuring.
We are at a crossroads. The 21st century demands a rethink of how our government is structured to weed out inefficiencies caused by overlapping policies and sluggish implementation. The incoming administration has a golden opportunity to reshape governmental structures, whether that means merging, splitting or even creating new ministries and agencies, as suggested by Law No. 39/2008.
This transformation needs to start with the cabinet’s restructuring to streamline our governance and enhance its effectiveness. Here is how we can bring about meaningful reform.
