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Indonesian Deputy Minister addresses cabinet reshuffle rumors

From Tempo · (10m ago) Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Indonesian Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto addressed rumors of an upcoming cabinet reshuffle by President Prabowo Subianto.
  • Sugiarto stated that any cabinet changes are solely the President's prerogative and that the current cabinet is focused on its work.
  • Speculation about a reshuffle has been ongoing, with various appointments and potential ministerial positions fueling the rumors.

Speculation surrounding a potential cabinet reshuffle under President Prabowo Subianto has been met with measured responses from government officials, including Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto. Sugiarto emphasized that the authority to alter the cabinet rests entirely with the President, reinforcing the concept of presidential prerogative in Indonesian governance. He conveyed readiness for any scenario while stressing the current administration's commitment to its ongoing tasks.

It is the President's prerogative. Yes, we are ready for all scenarios, the important thing now is that the entire working cabinet continues its work. Haven't heard anything at all.

โ€” Bima Arya SugiartoDeputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto responding to questions about a potential cabinet reshuffle.

The discourse around a reshuffle has been persistent, gaining momentum with several key appointments and rumored shifts in ministerial roles. The recent appointment of Thomas Djiwandono as Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, which created a vacancy in the Deputy Minister of Finance position, and the subsequent appointment of Juda Agung to fill that role, are examples of movements that have fueled these discussions. Such changes often lead to broader speculation about the stability and composition of the cabinet.

Further adding to the buzz, Budisatrio Djiwandono has been mentioned as a potential candidate for a cabinet position, a rumor initially floated by Chairman of the House Commission I, Utut Adianto. Concurrently, Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat, Chairman of the All-Indonesia Workers' Unions Confederation (KSPSI), has confirmed his impending appointment as a minister. These developments, whether confirmed or rumored, contribute to the narrative of potential changes within President Subianto's administration.

The President will tell it later.

โ€” Teddy Indra WijayaCabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya deferring questions about the timing of a reshuffle to the President.

From an Indonesian perspective, cabinet reshuffles are a normal, albeit sometimes sensitive, aspect of presidential power. They are often seen as a tool for the president to strengthen their administration, adapt to changing political landscapes, or respond to public sentiment. While officials like Sugiarto maintain a neutral stance, the public and political observers keenly watch these potential shifts, understanding their implications for policy direction and government effectiveness. The current focus remains on the President's ultimate decision, with all eyes anticipating any official announcements regarding the composition of the 'Cabinet Merah Putih'.

Yes, it is true (will be inaugurated by the president as a minister).

โ€” Mohammad Jumhur HidayatChairman of KSPSI confirming his upcoming appointment as a minister.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.