via Straits Times
Jokowi’s movement is part of his strategy to boost Indonesia’s economic strength, maritime potential and to tackle general economic challenges
27 Juli 2016 16:39
Brilio.net/en - After weeks of President Joko Jokowi Widodo dodging attempts, the cabinet reshuffle, which became major highlights of the Palace, has finally announced at the presidential palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (27/5). This is Jokowis second Cabinet reshuffle over the past two years.
Among the significant changes, with the purpose of boosting Indonesias economic strength, is the reassignment of current Managing Director of World Bank Dr. Sri Mulyani Indrawati to fill the Finance Minister post. She was served in the same position from 2005 to 2010, during the reign of Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Mulyani will replace Bambang Brodjonegoro, who is nowhead of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas). Bambang was part ofJokowi's original Working Cabinet.
The president appointed Luhut Panjaitan, who was previously the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, to replace the acerbicRizal Ramli as Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs. Luhut is apolitical outsider but is one of Jokowi's biggest supporters both before and during the presidency.
Luhut's post will be filled by former general Wiranto, whowas a candidate for president in 2014.
Over the past two years, we have faced many difficult challenges, Jokowi told the media. We need to hasten efforts to tackle the problem (of poverty), we must hasten economic growth in to survive the global weakness and at the same time, global competitiveness. We need to create more jobs, to create wealth.
Jokowisaid he needs aCabinet that is quickly adaptable to changes in order to deliver concrete and fast results. He said the shake-up will promote unity within the Cabinet and maximize governmentefficiency.
With all of that reasons in mind, I and the Vice-President have decided to reshuffle the Cabinet," he said before announcing the changes.
The other new faces including Budi Karya Sumadi (Transportation Minister), Muhadjir Effendy (Education Minister), Dr Archandra Tahar (Energy Minister), Enggartiasto Lukita (Trade Minister), and Airlangga Hartarto (Industry Minister), a former lawmaker from Golkar, who recently left opposition coalition to support thegovernment.
Butthe spotlight isfirmlyon Sri Mulyani, who was ranked 37th on the list of 100 most powerful women of 2016 by Forbes magazine. She is considered highly capable and is credited by some with helping to stimulate the explosive growth Indonesia enjoyed at the beginning of the 21st century.
