Celvin Moniaga Sipahutar, Jakarta – An analyst recently said that the public should not interpret clashing opinions among ministers as disharmony within President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's cabinet.

Rumors about cracks within Jokowi's cabinet are circulating. There are a number of instances when ministers have made clashing statements on government matters and policies. According to political analyst Mudiyati Rahmatunissa, this is not something to worry about and Jokowi's cabinet remains solid.

"We should not jump to conclusions [by saying that there is disharmony in Jokowi's cabinet]," Mudiyati told Jakarta Globe's sister publication Beritasatu on Wednesday.

But Mudiyati admitted that some ministers were not in sync with one another while pointing out the online gambler aid as an example.

Chief Cultural Affairs Minister Muhadjir Effendy not long ago made headlines for saying that online gamblers would receive social assistance. He then clarified his controversial statement, stating that what he meant was the beneficiaries would be the affected family members. Meanwhile, senior minister Airlangga Hartarto said that social assistance for online gambling victims had not been included in the state budget plans. Airlangga claimed there had also not been any coordination whatsoever regarding this aid.

However, these differences are normal in a government, according to Mudiyati.

"So we cannot immediately assume that there is disharmony. Because disharmony is not only about having different views, it is about policies, policy changes, and so on," she added.

"And the political parties have confirmed this. Be it Gerindra, Golkar, or PAN [The National Mandate Party] have denied that there was disharmony in Jokowi's cabinet as we get closer to the end of his presidential term."

Jokowi's successor Prabowo Subianto will take his oath of office this October. There are still a few months until his inauguration comes, and Mudiyati said that Jokowi's ministers were currently focusing on leaving the "best legacy" for Indonesia.

"The ministers are doing what they can to help the president. They still support [Jokowi]," she said.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/clashing-opinions-do-not-mean-cracks-in-jokowis-cabinet-analys