Indonesia’s President Jokowi reshuffles Cabinet two months before term ends, but critics question if changes are necessary

TWO MONTHS BEFORE JOKOWI ENDS TERM

Observers added that with the reshuffle being carried out just two months before Mr Jokowi ends, the time frame is too short for the ministers involved to be effective in their work.

“This reshuffle is unnecessary. The government should focus on the remaining two months so that achievements and performance are maximised,” Mr Agung said.

The Jokowi government said the reshuffle was to help in the power transition.

“(The reshuffle) is needed to prepare and support the transition of government to run well, smoothly and effectively,” Presidential Special Staff Coordinator Ari Dwipayana said on Monday, as quoted by Detik.

Mr Agung said there was a possibility that those appointed on Monday would continue to serve in Mr Prabowo’s government. “Hopefully, they can be in line with his policies. But if they are replaced again (in the Prabowo government), then this (reshuffle) will be redundant,” Mr Agung said.

However, Mr Ray said there was no guarantee that Mr Prabowo would stick with the appointments made by Mr Jokowi after he takes over. 

“Prabowo is brave enough, when he disagrees he will openly say it,” Mr Ray said.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO OTHER PDI-P MINISTERS

There are still three PDI-P ministers in Mr Jokowi’s cabinet, including the cabinet secretary, but observers suspect that they will not be affected by any further changes, as their positions are not strategic, unlike the minister of law and human rights.

“That is Jokowi’s prerogative. But maybe because Yasona had made a fatal mistake, he was replaced. The position of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights is a strategic position and all parties want to hold this position, because all their party affairs including conflicts among each other will have to be resolved through the ministry,” Mr Ujang told CNA.

At the same time, keeping several PDI-P ministers in the Cabinet could also be part of Mr Jokowi’s strategy. “The goal is that for PDIP to remain half-hearted in opposition, it should not be allowed to disrupt the stability of the government ,” Mr Ray said.

PDI-P won the legislative elections in February with 16.72 percent of the vote. Following in second and third place were Mr Prabowo’s supporting coalition parties, Golkar (15.28 per cent) and Gerindra (13.22 per cent). 

PDI-P has not indicated if it will join the ruling coalition or serve as the opposition. PDI-P’s position will be determined at the party congress held next year.

The party, chaired by Ms Megawati Soekarnoputri, the daughter of Indonesia’s first president Soekarno, has also yet to comment on the reshuffle.

“Will the reaction be drastic, or will they just watch? They could also withdraw all their ministers,” Mr Agung said.

Mr Ray added that the changes could also embolden PDI-P to further criticise Mr Jokowi.

“PDI-P will be freer and will no longer have the awkwardness to criticise Jokowi,” Mr Ray said.