Ichsan Ali, Jakarta – The state palace has denied rumors of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo possibly holding another cabinet shake-up today or tomorrow.

"There are no plans for the rumored cabinet reshuffle on Aug. 14 or 15," Jokowi's senior aide Ari Dwipayana said Wednesday.

According to Ari, it is up to the president to decide whether it is time for a cabinet reshuffle. Ari added: "The president has a prerogative to appoint or remove a minister if necessary."

The presidential press bureau deputy, Muhammad Yusuf Permana, also made a similar statement, saying that he had not heard of any cabinet reshuffle plans.

"It is the president's prerogative. ... We have not heard of such plans. But Mr. President has said [he would only hold a reshuffle] if needed," Yusuf said.

Rumors are circulating that Jokowi is planning to replace ministers who are members of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Nasdem Party.

This puts Environment Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar, Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly, and Energy Minister Arifin Tasrif at risk of getting replaced.

Gerindra politician Supratman Andi Agtas will reportedly take over Yasonna's job. Raja Juli Antoni, the current agrarian affairs deputy minister, is claimed to be Siti Nurbaya's replacement.

Rumor has it that Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia will be the new energy minister. Rosan Roeslani, who chaired President-Elect Prabowo Subianto's campaign team, is rumored to assume Bahlil's leadership at the Investment Ministry.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/palace-denies-cabinet-reshuffle-rumor