Yeremia Sukoyo & Ezra Sihite – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will not rein in his cabinet members' legislative ambitions, after a media report indicated that up to 10 ministers will run as candidates in next year's national elections.
"As long as it doesn't hinder their performance or limit their time as cabinet ministers, we feel it is acceptable. If it seems there is something disrupting their duties, the president can assess that based on their performance," said presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha.
According to tribunnews.com the list of ministers planning to run as lawmakers include five from Yudhoyono's own Democratic Party.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik, a Democrat, confirmed that he would run as a legislative candidate in the 2014 election.
"There is no rule barring a minister from becoming a legislative candidate. It will not disturb [my duties as minister]. I will not use state facilities. I'll buy my own tickets, I have a commitment to the president, the people and God," he said.
Joining Jero as legislative candidates from the Democratic Party are Transportation Minister E.E. Mangindaan, Justice Minister Amir Syamsuddin, Cooperatives Minister Syarifuddin Hasan and newly appointed Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Roy Suryo.
Running as Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) candidates are Communications Minister Tifatul Sembiring and Agriculture Minister Suswono, while Minister for Underdeveloped Regions Ahmad Helmy Faishal Zaini will run as a candidate from the National Awakening Party (PKB).
Administrative Reform Minister Azwar Abubakar and Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan will run as candidates from the National Mandate Party (PAN).
Meanwhile, Golkar Party's Agung Laksono, who serves as coordinating minister for people's welfare, said that he was not interested in running in the elections.
"I have been a lawmaker for four terms. Let the younger generation run," said the minister, who was recently questioned by anti-corruption investigators in relation to the Riau-hosted National Games bribery case.
University of Indonesia political commentator Reni Suwarso suggested the unseemly rush to get their names on next year's ballot papers may be because the ministers were worried about being out of a job when Yudhoyono ends his final term in October next year.
"After the 2014 election, a new president will be elected and a new cabinet will be named. This is the main reason why a lot of ministers are running as legislative candidates," she said. "I think [the ministers] should focus on doing their job and completing their term," Reni added.
But Jero said such criticisms were "exaggerated" and maintains his candidature will not disrupt the execution of his ministerial duties. "[Ministers] are used to dividing their time. State affairs will be our priority. Campaigning for a lawmaker post will come second," he said.