Sharisya Kusuma Rahmanda, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's Red and White Cabinet is dominated by entrepreneurs. Although it is not the first time that entrepreneurs have joined the executive ranks, their presence still raises various perspectives from political observers and academics. They highlighted several potential impacts that may arise from this phenomenon.
The presence of ministers who also function as entrepreneurs in Prabowo's cabinet raises concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest. According to Yassar Aulia, a researcher from Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW), ministers with backgrounds or affiliations in the business world face a significant risk due to conflicting agendas while performing their duties. 'If these conflicts of interest are not managed properly, they are highly likely to lead to criminal acts such as corruption,' he said on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
Yassar believes there will be a tug-of-war between the efforts to seek profits for their private businesses and the public responsibilities inherent in their government positions. This risk is even greater, especially for ministers handling investment, business, and industry sectors. Concerns increase if these ministers also have control of companies or majority shares in business fields related to their ministries.
Bright Institute's senior economist, Awalil Rizky, considers a background as an entrepreneur not an issue for a minister. However, it becomes a serious issue when personal interests as entrepreneurs influence their decisions and policies as public officials. Therefore, he emphasizes the need for clear ethical codes and strict oversight from various parties, including civil society, to ensure transparency and accountability.
Awalil also emphasizes the importance of the House of Representatives (DPR) in supervising the ministers' policies. With the existence of commissions that collaborate with ministries, the DPR should be responsible for controlling and overseeing the policies that are implemented. 'If there is the potential for conflicts of interest or policies that harm the people, the DPR must take action, including summoning the relevant ministers and bringing them to a session,' he said.
Mohammad Faisal, the Executive Director of the Center of Reform on Economics, regrets the dominance of businessmen in Prabowo's cabinet. This is considered contrary to Prabowo's speeches that often emphasize the importance of strengthening anti-corruption efforts. Prabowo has also warned his ministerial candidates not to exploit their positions to seek profits, especially from the state budget.
To prevent conflicts of interest, Faisal suggests that the ministers relinquish their positions in companies. He believes this step is crucial given the frequent overlapping of roles between policy-makers and entrepreneurs in Indonesia.
Herdiansyah Hamzah, a Constitutional Law Observer at Mulawarman University, says that the policies made by ministers from business backgrounds tend to favor the interests of businessmen and capital owners over the interests of the people. This is reinforced by the high number of DPR members who also come from business circles, resulting in policies that accommodate business interests.
He also emphasizes that ministers from business backgrounds must resign from their positions in companies, both private and state-owned enterprises, to avoid conflicts of interest. This is in line with Article 23 of Law Number 39 of 2008 concerning State Ministries, which prohibits ministers from holding positions as commissioners or directors of companies.