Antara, Jakarta – The Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), founded by President-Elect Prabowo Subianto, hinted on Sunday at the possibility of revising the law that limits the number of ministries before he assumes office in October.
Reports suggest that Prabowo aims to increase the number of ministries to up to 40, but the law currently restricts the total number to 34.
Gerindra Secretary-General Ahmad Muzani said the revision of the 2008 law on state ministries "can be conducted before the presidential inauguration".
He added that Prabowo's future presidency will face unique challenges compared to the current administration, necessitating significant adjustments to the cabinet structure.
"Each president must address different challenges and issues, so I believe the current law should be more flexible, without rigid restrictions on the number and names of ministries," Muzani said in Jakarta.
He pointed out that over the last three presidencies, the total number of ministries and their functions have undergone substantial changes.
The planned amendment of the law on state ministries has garnered support from four incumbent political parties forming the Prabowo coalition, including Gerindra, the Democratic Party, the Golkar Party, and the National Mandate Party.
Critics have voiced concerns that the proposed cabinet expansion is merely a means for Prabowo to reward allies with cabinet positions for their support during the election.
In addition to the four incumbent parties, Prabowo's presidential campaign received backing from three parties from rival coalitions after he was officially declared the election winner.
Analysts fear that the array of parties supporting Prabowo could lead to a cabinet dominated by politicians rather than professionals.