Several ministers from President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s administration are likely to retain their positions in the administration of President-elect Prabowo Subianto.
At least seven members of the Onward Indonesia Coalition (KIM) were summoned to Prabowo’s residence on Jalan Kartanegara, Jakarta, on Monday, October 14, 2024 to discuss potential cabinet roles.
Ahmad Muzani, Secretary-General of the Gerindra Party, acknowledged that some current ministers are seen as competent and may be reappointed, either in their current roles or new positions.
“There are some who are compatible and have performed well enough to continue as ministers,” Muzani stated during a press briefing at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, on Monday, October 14, 2024.
When asked if these appointments were influenced by Jokowi, Muzani refrained from providing a detailed response, emphasizing that the final decision rests with Prabowo as the president-elect.
Among those who met with Prabowo were:
- Minister of State Secretary Pratikno;
- Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian;
- Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita;
- Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia;
- MInister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan;
- Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY);
- Deputy Minister of ATR/BPN Raja Juli Antoni.
Following his meeting with Prabowo, Bahlil Lahadalia revealed that their discussion centered on managing Indonesia’s natural resources.
“We talked about various issues, particularly related to the sovereignty of our wealth,” Bahlil told reporters, on Monday, October 14, 2024.
He also hinted that he would likely continue in a ministerial role similar to his previous five-year tenure.
“It will likely align with what I have been doing. It will be announced by the President,” he added.
Pratikno, the Minister of State Secretary, also confirmed that Prabowo had asked him to rejoin the cabinet.
“The president-elect asked me to help him in the cabinet,” Pratikno said.
Despite these developments, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has clarified that he is not involved in the process of selecting ministers for Prabowo’s administration.
Speaking at the Kompas 100 CEO Forum in East Kalimantan on Friday, October 11, 2024, Jokowi emphasized that the choice of ministers is the exclusive prerogative of the president-elect.
“Do not ask me about the cabinet composition because people will assume I’m involved,” Jokowi said, adding that he is willing to offer advice if asked by Prabowo, but will not intervene.
Jokowi concluded by reiterating that he would respect Prabowo’s independence in selecting his ministers.
“I also did not want to be interfered with regarding my prerogative rights. So, it’s the same,” the president said.
