Yustinus Patris Paat, Jakarta – Allies of Prabowo Subianto are voicing their full support for the president-elect's proposal to expand the number of ministries in his future cabinet, citing the need to address upcoming challenges more effectively.

Kamhar Lakumani, an executive of the Democratic Party, went as far as to suggest that having up to 40 ministries would be reasonable to tackle the pressing issues confronting the incoming government.

"With the constantly shifting geopolitical landscape, the government must evolve into a more responsive and adaptable entity," Kamhar said in Jakarta on Thursday.

He noted that the existing law, which limits the number of ministries to 34, was enacted 16 years ago under vastly different national and global circumstances.

"The circumstances that prompted the enactment of that law differ significantly from the realities we face today, necessitating its revision," he argued.

Critics, including defeated presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo, have raised concerns that the planned cabinet expansion is merely a means for Prabowo to reward allies with cabinet positions for their support during the election.

Prabowo's presidential bid received backing from four incumbent political parties, and following his official victory, three additional parties from rival coalitions declared their support for his future government, potentially securing a supermajority in the House of Representatives.

Analysts fear that the multitude of parties backing Prabowo could result in a cabinet dominated by politicians rather than professionals.

Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, the acting chairman of the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), did not explicitly refute allegations of patronage in ministerial appointments.

"Let me pose this question to my colleagues: 'What's wrong with accommodating allies who have collaborated with us and pledged to work together for Indonesia's future?'" Dasco said.

He claimed that "the victor of the election is entitled to the prerogative" to reshape the cabinet. Dasco clarified that Prabowo has not publicly stated a plan to create new ministries.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/prabowos-allies-support-cabinet-expansio