I’ll Continue My Predecessor’s Tasks: New Social Minister

Agus Gumiwang answers reporters’ questions after being appointed by President Joko Widodo as Minister of Social Affairs, at the State Palace, Jakarta, Friday (24/8). (Photo by: Oji/Public Relations).

Politician of Golkar Party Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has been named as a new Minister of Social Affairs.

“Following Mr. Idrus Marham resignation, I receive an assignment from the President to take the helm at Ministry of Social Affairs,” Agus Gumiwang told reporters after being appointed by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as Minister of Social Affairs at the State Palace, Jakarta, Friday (24/8).

According to Agus, Ministry of Social Affairs plays a very strategic role in eliminating and reducing poverty in accordance with what the Government under President Jokowi aspires to do.

“Ministry of Social Affairs plays an important role. This ministry is also trying to increase the people’s purchasing power. There are stimulants from the Government to drive the economy,” Agus said.

Regarding Idrus Marham, the new Minister claimed he had called his predecessor and discussed the job handover plan. He added that Idrus has done a very good performance in his very short tenure. “I want to sit and talk with Mr. Idrus so that things that have been done by him can be continued,” he said.

Meanwhile, regarding the President’s assignment related to post-earthquake relief efforts in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Agus said he would immediately fly to Lombok. “We will work there (in Lombok),” Agus said, adding that strategies of relief efforts in Lombok quake has been stated in the newly issued Presidential Instruction. (RAH/ES) (GWH/EP/Naster)