Cabinet Secretary: President Jokowi Asks All Ministers to Create Synergy

Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung answers the reporters’ questions after the Plenary Cabinet Meeting, at the State Palace Courtyard, Jakarta, Tuesday (29/8) afternoon. (Photo: PR/Jay).

In his introductory remarks at a Plenary Cabinet Meeting on Tuesday (29/8) afternoon, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo mentioned that next year, we will enter the political year. Therefore, it is expected that any policy adopted by the Ministers and Heads of Institutions can make significant contributions.

In this regard, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said that considering next year is the political year, so this will be the last state budget. To that end, the President asked all Ministers to prepare themselves. “When it comes to the State Budget, it is earmarked for the people. Meaning that all the programs are for the community,” Pramono told reporters after a Plenary Cabinet Meeting, Jakarta, Tuesday (29/8) afternoon.

Cabinet Secretary Pramono further explained that given in August next year, we will have entered the political year, the determination of presidential and vice presidential candidates, and so on, then the remaining work is expected to be fully used for improving the condition of our society that becomes the concerns of the President and Vice President. “The point is, all Ministers must create a synergy. What is delivered is no longer the achievement of individual or ministries but the achievements of the Government as a whole. So, whatever is conducted is to show the achievements of the Government as a whole,” Pramono firmly said.

When it comes to the solidity of the current cabinet and also the cooperation that has been running relatively well, Cabinet Secretary Pramono expressed hope that the political year ahead does not become the excessive hustle and bustle and we already have experience.

“The 2018-2019 simultaneous elections happen to be the Legislative and Presidential simultaneous elections. So, in our opinion, hopefully this will also reduce tension. Because, if there are no different results from the judicial review of the Law on Political Party, we can predict the implementation and the model of the election from now,” Pramono explained.

Answering journalists’ questions, Cabinet Secretary Pramono stated that the Working Cabinet is now solid enough. However, when it comes to the cabinet reshuffle, Pramono said that the President has the authority over it.

Regarding the absence of Minister of Social Affairs Khofifah Indar Parawansa in the Plenary Cabinet Meeting earlier, Pramono explained that today, Minister Khofifah is leaving for hajj so she does not attend the meeting. (FID/JAY/ES) (MUR/YM/Naster).