Celvin Moniaga Sipahutar, Jakarta – As President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's term nears its end, several ministers in his cabinet are aiming to appeal to the next president, Prabowo Subianto.
Political analyst and Executive Director of Aljabar Strategic Indonesia, Arifki Chaniago, said that these ministers are seizing the political stage during the transition to Prabowo's government. He called it "the last dance".
"There is momentum for some ministers to take the political stage," Arifki told Beritasatu.com on Tuesday.
Arifki explained that this strategy aims to secure positions in the next administration under President-elect Prabowo Subianto for the 2024-2029 term. However, this could affect the cabinet's solidarity and the ministers' loyalty to Jokowi.
"Ministers must be prepared for the political consequences of their actions. They need to balance loyalty to Jokowi while aligning with Prabowo's political interests," Arifki stated.
He noted that ministers are competing to showcase their performance to win Prabowo's favor, causing disharmony within the cabinet. This focus on political positioning may detract from their current responsibilities.
"This approach is negative for governance and public trust, as ministers prioritize political gain over their duties," Arifki explained.
He acknowledged that ministers might have political interests towards the end of their term but emphasized they should still work for the public interest.
"The public benefits when ministers' actions align with the people's needs, not personal or political agendas," he concluded.
As Jokowi's administration approaches its final months, its internal cohesion is increasingly under scrutiny. Signs of discord are emerging, particularly a lack of coordination among cabinet ministers.
Recently, the public noticed a miscommunication between Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia and Communications and Information Minister Budi Arie regarding Elon Musk's Starlink internet investment cooperation. This issue came to light when Minister Bahlil Lahadalia revealed that his ministry was not involved in the Starlink investment discussions.
In response, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto assured that the Jokowi's administration would remain united until the end of its term in October 2024. Airlangga emphasized that all ministers and agency leaders are committed to supporting Jokowi's administration through to its conclusion.