Yustinus Patris Paat, Jakarta – Chico Hakim, spokesperson for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), responded to rumors about a potential cabinet reshuffle by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, which may see the replacement of PDI-P ministers, including Yasonna Laoly with Supratman Andi Agtas from the Gerindra Party.
"We haven't received any information regarding this. However, we hope that the cabinet reshuffle towards the end of President Joko Widodo's term is aimed at improving performance," Chico told Beritasatu.com on Tuesday.
President Jokowi's administration will conclude soon, transitioning to the leadership of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka in October.
According to local media Tempo, citing anonymous sources, Jokowi plans to reshuffle ministers from PDI-P and the Nasdem Party. Besides Yasonna, Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya, a Nasdem member, is reportedly set to be replaced by Raja Juli Antoni, the current Deputy Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning and Secretary-General of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI).
Chico suggested that the Jokowi administration should prioritize addressing urgent issues, particularly those concerning the public's economic welfare. This includes, he noted, the rising costs of education and basic necessities.
"High tuition fees, soaring school costs, skyrocketing prices of essential goods, and many other issues need attention. The expedited development of the new capital city also requires evaluation," Chico emphasized.
He also expressed hope that the cabinet reshuffle, if it happens, would not be carried out for the purpose of sharing or distributing positions. He insisted that any reshuffle should be aimed at aligning with the forthcoming administration.
"This isn't the first time there's been a leadership transition in our republic. We are observing many unique developments during this transition, especially as President Joko Widodo's term comes to an end, paving the way for new leadership," Chico concluded.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/pdip-addresses-yasonna-laolys-possible-cabinet-reshuffl