Preparing the Prabowo-Gibran Cabinet, Jokowi: Don't get involved if you don't ask

Cabinet formation is the prerogative of the elected president. Jokowi also reminded us not to flirt if we don't ask.

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

President Joko Widodo visited the Periklindo Electric Vehicle Show (PEVS) held at Jiexpo, Kemayoran, Jakarta on Friday (3/5/2024). The President was accompanied by the Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita (left), the Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Bahlil Lahadalia (right, at the back), as well as the Chief of Presidential Staff (KSP), Moeldoko (second from the right). During his visit, President Jokowi stated that the exhibition can maintain the ecosystem of electric vehicles in order to speed up the realization of the green industry in the country.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — President Joko Widodo affirmed that the formation of the next cabinet is the elected president's prerogative. The composition of the cabinet is confirmed to be 100% under their full authority. If the elected president requests advice, then new advice can be given. However, it is advisable not to interfere if advice is not requested.

"We can make suggestions, but that is the full right of the elected president. If you ask for advice, that's fine, if you ask for advice. But, if you don't ask for advice, you just go along with it, lha that's not right,” said President Jokowi after reviewing Electric Vehicle Exhibition at the Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran, Jakarta, Friday (3/5/2024). Previously, President Jokowi was asked by the press regarding the formation of the current government cabinet of President-elect Prabowo Subainto-Vice President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

If you make suggestions, that's fine, but that's the full right of the elected president. If you ask for advice, that's fine, if you ask for advice. But, if you don't ask for advice, you just follow along, lha that's not right.

The Presidency is not an institution

During the occasion, President Jokowi also responded to the idea of the President's club, which is expected to be a means of communication between the newly elected President Prabowo Subianto and the previous President. Jokowi considered the proposal for the President's club good. "Good, good, good," said President Jokowi in response to the press.

The issue of air pollution is not a new one. The condition of the community being threatened by air pollution has been happening for a long time. There is also plenty of research evidence showing the threats of air pollution's impacts. However, this has not yet been able to push significant efforts in controlling air pollution. As a result, residents are increasingly suffering from living in the midst of air pollution. The President joked that the presidents club meeting could be held as often as possible. "Every two days, it's okay," he added with a laugh.

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KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

President Joko Widodo visited the Periklindo Electric Vehicle Show (PEVS) at Jiexpo, Kemayoran, Jakarta on Friday (3/5/2024). The President was accompanied by Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita (right), Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia (second from the right), as well as the Chief of Presidential Staff (KSP) Moeldoko (fifth from the right). During his visit, President Jokowi stated that the exhibition could maintain the electric vehicle ecosystem in order to accelerate the realization of the green industry in the homeland.

Separately, Prabowo's spokesperson, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, clarifies regarding Prabowo's proposal for a President's Club. "Presidential Club is just my term, not an institution. Basically, Pak Prabowo wants former Presidents to continue to meet regularly and discuss strategic national issues. This way, their national unity is maintained and becomes an example for all of us," said Dahnil.

The Presidential Club is just my term, not an institution. The essence is that Mr. Prabowo wants former Presidents to continue to meet regularly and discuss strategic national issues. This way, their national solidarity is maintained and serves as an example for all of us.

This gathering will accommodate all former Presidents of Indonesia who are still alive. "Mr. Prabowo hopes that as a great nation, its leaders are united, harmonious, and work for the interests of the people, regardless of political views and attitudes. God willing, in due time, Mr. Prabowo will definitely meet together, sit down with Mr. Jokowi, Mr. SBY, and Ms. Megawati," added Dahnil.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Eight programs of potential presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, named "Asta Cita," were announced during a speech at the Declaration of the Nation's Successor Volunteers at Djakarta Theater, Jakarta, on Saturday (October 28, 2023). The Nation's Successor Volunteers were formed as a platform for young people who support the Prabowo-Gibran duo in the 2024 Presidential Election. In his speech, Prabowo Subianto thanked the Nation's Successor Volunteers for their support and promised to fulfill the entrusted responsibility with Gibran. Prabowo also presented a number of his programs to the attending volunteers.

Bappenas meets Prabowo-Gibran Team

After an internal meeting with President Jokowi regarding the national development planning deliberation at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Suharso Monoarfa, emphasized that the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas has discussed with the incoming president's team to synchronize the Asta Cita that will be carried out by Prabowo. This is done for the continuity of the government's programs.

Asta Cita is one of the eight missions of Prabowo-Gibran during the 2024 presidential campaign. Asta Cita aims to realize the vision of "Together Advancing Indonesia Towards Golden Indonesia 2045," which consists of efforts to strengthen the ideology of Pancasila, democracy, and human rights, as well as enhancing the alignment of harmonious living with the environment and culture and increasing religious tolerance.

We were invited to discuss and mainly synchronize his Asta Cita with how programs can be made in accordance with the government's work plan or, in other words, the government's work plan can be colored by the Asta Cita of the elected president.

"We were invited to discuss mainly to synchronize his Asta Cita with how programs can be made in line with the government's work plan, or in other words, the government's work plan can be colored by the Asta Cita of the elected president," said Suharso.

DOKUMENTASI HUMAS GERINDRA

President Joko Widodo (second from the left) accompanied by First Lady Mrs. Iriana Joko Widodo (left) shake hands with the presidential candidate who received the most votes in the 2024 Presidential Election, Prabowo Subianto (right), at the State Palace in Jakarta, Thursday (11/4/2024). President Jokowi had breakfast with Prabowo on the second day of the celebration of Eid al-Fitr 1445 Hijri.

According to Suharso, the government is obligated to maintain the continuity of programs, particularly in the context of organization, management procedures, and budgeting. This way, all government programs can be immediately implemented once Prabowo is inaugurated as president.

What is clear is that with his team, Bappenas interacts. In our opinion, that is normal. We, right, have a duty to ensure the planning of government work, especially so that it does not experience discontinuity. That's the most important thing.

"What is clear is that with his team, Bappenas interacted. In our opinion, that is normal. We, right, have a duty to ensure the planning of government work, especially so that it does not experience discontinuity. That's the most important thing," said Suharso at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Friday (3/5/2024).

Suharso also emphasized that the flagship program of the elected president, Prabowo Subianto, will be included in the Government Work Plan for 2025. These flagship programs include, among others, free lunch and milk distribution in schools.

However, the implementation of this program still needs to adjust to the government's fiscal capacity to finance it. "So, how much fiscal can respond to it and how fiscal can finance it," said Suharso.

Until now, there is no certainty about the source of funds that will be allocated for the free lunch and milk program. "I cannot tell where this budget comes from. I speak about the overall government work plan. We have a budget allocation, and how it is given by the general treasurer of the country, the minister of finance, you may please allocate it," he said.

KOMPAS/MAWAR KUSUMA WULAN

Minister of Agrarian and Spatial Planning (ATR)/Head of the National Land Agency (BPN) Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, who is also the Chairman of the Democratic Party, gave a press statement at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Friday (May 3, 2024).

Respect Prabowo's decision

Separately, at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta, Minister of Agrarian and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, who is also the Chairperson of the Democratic Party, emphasized that the election is over. He admitted that it does not matter if the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), the Nation Awakening Party (PKB), and the Nasdem party align with Prabowo-Gibran Rakabuming Raka's camp.

We respect his views and decisions. However, we must continue to be involved in the process in a constructive manner. This is a process that I believe should be embraced, where we are always invited to discuss and have healthy conversations about matters.

According to AHY, the party that joins the Indonesia Maju Coalition will remain solid under the leadership of Prabowo Subianto. "We know that he also considers everything carefully and comprehensively, not just the political map in parliament, but also how the future government can work effectively," he said.

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AHY emphasized that the spirit being promoted is a process of reconciliation as a nation. "But, secondly, how will the government in the next five years be ready to carry out its duties. We hope that Parliament can also carry out its functions well, checks and balances are also maintained proportionally. "Our democracy is mature and we are focused on economic growth and alleviating (people from) poverty and improving people's welfare," he said, adding.

The Democratic Party is confirmed to fully focus on assisting the Prabowo Subianto government. The upcoming government has certain targets that also require serious handling and involve many parties. AHY admits to continuously communicating and discussing with Prabowo, including regarding the allocation of ministerial roles.

"We leave it to him and we respect his views and decisions. But of course, we need to be involved well. This is a process that I think we need to make into a good thing, always being consulted and discussed," says AHY. (WKM / BOW)