Andrea Arshirena Hosana, Jakarta – A public policy expert warned on Saturday that conflicting policies among ministers could derail President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's attempt to achieve key targets in his final year in office.

Achmad Nur Hidayat said the differences could negatively affect public services and need to be settled to ensure the smooth conclusion of Jokowi's second and final term.

He was commenting on the recent launch of Elon Musk's StarLink satellite internet service in Indonesia's remote regions during an event in Bali.

StarLink's Indonesian operation is conducted through coordination with the Communication and Informatics Ministry.

Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia later said he wasn't aware of StarLink's investment plan in Indonesia. The US company reportedly spent just Rp 30 billion ($1.8 million) to begin operations and employs only three people in Indonesia.

"Disharmony like this will weaken the government's ability to deliver quality public services," Achmad said.

"For instance, we are still lacking internet coverage. Why didn't the government coordinate StarLink's internet service with that of local providers?"

Jokowi is set to leave office on October 20 and will be succeeded by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, who teamed up with Jokowi's son Gibran Rakabuming Raka as running mate in the February 14 presidential election.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/expert-warns-of-disharmony-in-jokowi-cabine