JAKARTA – The public should not interpret disagreements among ministers as discord within President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo's cabinet, an analyst said recently.
Rumors are rife that rifts are developing within Jokowi's cabinet. There have been numerous instances of ministers making conflicting statements on government issues and policies. Political analyst Mudiyati Rahamatunisa said this is not a cause for concern and that Jokowi's cabinet remains solidly in place.
“We shouldn't jump to conclusions [by saying that there is disharmony in Jokowi’s cabinet]”,” Mudiyati told Beritasatu, a sister publication of the Jakarta Globe, on Wednesday.
But Mudiati acknowledged that some ministers were out of step with each other, citing support for online gamblers as an example.
Chief Minister of Culture Muhajir Efendi recently made headlines when he said that online gamblers would receive social assistance. He later clarified his controversial statement, saying he meant that the beneficiaries would be affected families. Meanwhile, Senior Minister Airlangga Hartarto said that social assistance for online gambling victims was not included in the state budget plan. Airlangga also claimed that there was no coordination regarding this assistance.
But Mudiyati said such differences are normal in government.
“So we can't immediately assume that there is discord because discord isn't just about having different views, it's also about policies, policy changes and so on,” she added.
“And the political parties confirmed this: Gerindra, Golkar, PAN [The National Mandate Party] He denies allegations of discord within his cabinet as President Jokowi's term draws to a close.”
Jokowi's successor, Prabowo Subianto, is due to be sworn in in October this year. With several months to go until then, Mudiati said Jokowi's cabinet is now focused on leaving Indonesia with a “best legacy.”
“Ministers are doing all they can to help the president. They are still [Jokowi],” she said.
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