A number of groups have criticized the fatness of the Red and White Cabinet (KMP) formed by Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka. There are allegations that many people are ‘entrusted’ to KIM. However, economist at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Brawijaya University (Unbra), Malang, East Java, Joko Budi Santoso believes otherwise.
According to him, President Prabowo understands that forming a cabinet is part of his prerogative. Apart from that, he said, Prabowo is a figure who has finished with his personal affairs. Of course, Prabowo has his own standards of values and considerations when compiling the KMP. This includes determining the number of ministers, deputy ministers, heads of agencies and others.
“In this context, I think the president hopes for acceleration, continuity and stability at the start of his leadership,” said Joko, quoted Wednesday (23/10).
In the eyes of the public, he said, Prabowo is a figure who has strong leadership. He is not sure if Prabowo is easily influenced in the context of the formation of the KMP. “New hopes are pinned on the red and white cabinet and we will look forward to its performance in the first 100 days,” said Joko.
He considered that Prabowo’s decision to retain Sri Mulyani Indrawati as Minister of Finance was very correct. Sri Mulyani’s figure is quite effective in attracting international trust, which is useful for attracting investment.
DPR member from the PKS faction, M Haris, has a similar view. The KMP arrangement provides new hope. The content is quite colorful, not just political figures or volunteers. There are also many accomplished technocrats and professionals.
“It is hoped that the Red and White Cabinet will be able to bring about real changes in environmentally friendly energy policies and sustainable investment. In the future, government policy should not only aim to increase economic growth. “But we also pay attention to the environment,” said the member of Commission XII of the DPR.
Not all ministerial positions are occupied by political party figures, but career and professional officials who do not have conflicts of interest with other parties. For example, Budi Santoso was appointed by President Prabowo as Minister of Trade (Mendag).
Before joining KMP, he served as Secretary General (Sekjen) of the Ministry of Trade. The man who was born in Jakarta on February 9 1968, served as Director General of Foreign Trade (December 2022-August 2024), Head of the Indonesian Trade and Economic Office (KDEI) in Taipei (September 2020 – December 2022) and Head of the Finance Bureau of the Ministry of Trade (June 2020 – September 2020).
Likewise, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, who is trusted by President Prabowo to be Minister of the Environment/Head of the Environmental Control Agency, comes from internal affairs.
Before reaching the top position at the Ministry of Environment, the man who was born in Bojonegoro, East Java on March 21 1971, really worked his way up from the bottom. In 1993, he started his career as a forest ranger or entrepreneur at the KLHK (Ministry of Environment and Forestry) in South Kalimantan (Kalsel).
He served as Head of the South Kalimantan Forestry Service from 2016 to 2020. Then he was withdrawn to the center as Secretary of the Directorate General of Forestry Planning and Environmental Management, KLHK. Then he was promoted to become Director General (Dirjen) of Forestry Planning and Environmental Management, KLHK.
Likewise, Dudy Purwagandhi, who was chosen by President Prabowo to serve as Minister of Transportation (Menhub), replacing Budi Karya Sumadi, was not left to a political party or anyone else. He is pure professional.
His initial career was as BOD assistant staff at PT Tri Usaha Bhakti Truba from 1997 to 2004. Then he rose to General Affairs Department Head from 2004 to 2007. Next, Dudy became the internal audit officer for PT Dua Samudera Perkasa (2007-2008). He served as Director of PT Jhonlin Marine Trans in 2008, and Director of PT Jhonlin Air Transport (JAT) until 2009.
Furthermore, he served as Director of PT Dua Samudera Perkasa (2009-2011), Director of Seacons Trading Limited in Singapore (2010-2020), and Commissioner of PT Satui Terminal Utama (2015-2019). In 2019, Dudy accompanied Prabowo as Deputy Treasurer of the National Campaign Team (TKN) of the Advanced Indonesia Coalition (KIM) in the 2019 Election. A year later he served as Commissioner of PLN. This year, he served as Special Staff to the Minister of PAN and RB. (I-2)
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Interview with Joko Budi Santoso on the Newly Formed Red and White Cabinet (KMP)
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Joko. There’s been a lot of discussion surrounding the formation of the Red and White Cabinet by President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Can you share your insights on the criticisms being directed at the cabinet’s composition?
Joko Budi Santoso: Thank you for having me. Yes, there are indeed criticisms regarding what some perceive as an overabundance within the Red and White Cabinet. However, I believe those criticisms may overlook the broader context in which President Prabowo is operating. Forming a cabinet is indeed part of his prerogative, and he has his own standards and values guiding this process.
Interviewer: What do you see as President Prabowo’s primary objectives with this cabinet formation?
Joko Budi Santoso: I think his main goals are to ensure acceleration, continuity, and stability at the start of his leadership. The president wants to gather a team that can effectively respond to the immediate economic and social challenges the country faces.
Interviewer: There seems to be a sense of optimism about Prabowo’s leadership capabilities. Could you elaborate on this?
Joko Budi Santoso: Certainly. The public views Prabowo as a figure of strong leadership. I don’t believe he is easily influenced by external pressures when it comes to the cabinet’s structure. There’s a lot of hope pinned on this cabinet, and it will be crucial to assess their performance in the first 100 days of governance.
Interviewer: You mentioned the retention of Sri Mulyani Indrawati in her role as Minister of Finance. Why do you think this is a wise decision?
Joko Budi Santoso: Keeping Sri Mulyani in her position is a very strategic choice. She has demonstrated effectiveness in attracting international trust, which is critical for fostering investment. Her experience is invaluable in guiding our economic policy moving forward.
Interviewer: M. Haris from the DPR has also expressed hope for the cabinet, citing its diverse composition. How does this diversity play a role in their potential success?
Joko Budi Santoso: The inclusion of not only political figures but also technocrats and professionals from various fields is vital for bringing fresh perspectives and expertise. This variety can foster innovative solutions, particularly in areas like sustainable energy and environmental policy, which you mentioned earlier.
Interviewer: As we look to the future, what are your expectations for the Red and White Cabinet?
Joko Budi Santoso: I expect the cabinet to seize this opportunity to implement policies that reconcile economic growth with environmental sustainability. The government must focus on real, measurable changes in how we approach energy and investment, prioritizing long-term viability over short-term gains.
Interviewer: Thank you, Joko, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how the Red and White Cabinet evolves and addresses these pressing issues.
Joko Budi Santoso: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how things unfold.
Raised points about the cabinet’s diverse composition including technocrats and professionals. What does this imply for the cabinet’s effectiveness?
Joko Budi Santoso: Absolutely, the diversity in the cabinet is a positive sign. It signifies a blend of political experience and professional expertise, which can enhance decision-making. The inclusion of accomplished technocrats suggests that the government aims to implement policies that not only focus on economic growth but also prioritize environmental sustainability.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what are your expectations for the KMP in addressing the country’s economic and environmental challenges?
Joko Budi Santoso: I have high expectations for the KMP, particularly in bringing about real changes in environmentally friendly energy policies and sustainable investments. The cabinet’s success will depend on their ability to balance economic growth with environmental care, and I believe they have the talent needed to meet these challenges effectively.
Interviewer: Thank you, Joko, for shedding light on the new cabinet and your insights on its potential outlook.
Joko Budi Santoso: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for Indonesia, and I look forward to seeing how the KMP unfolds its plans in the coming months.
