President Jokowi Orders Minister to Accelerate Bureaucratic Reforms

Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reforms Abdullah Azwar Anas (Source: a screenshot)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has ordered newly inaugurated Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reforms (PANRB) Abdullah Azwar Anas to accelerate bureaucratic reforms.

“PANRB. RB stands for bureaucratic reforms. It should be carried out fast, so our bureaucracy is one that serves, one with a high discipline,” the President said in his press statement after the inauguration, Wednesday (09/07).

According to the President, Azwar Anas was appointed as the minister because of his good track record in managing public service provision. During his service as the Regent of Banyuwangi in 2010-2015 and 2016-2021, Azwar Anas has made various innovations to improve public service in the regency.

“When he was in charge of bureaucracy in Banyuwangi, I noticed many things. I saw innovations in public service. ID card issuance, license issuance can be done at markets, at malls. I suppose he was one of the first ones at the time. Thus, considering the track record, we chose Pak Azwar Anas,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of PANRB underscored that he will contribute to achieve priority targets set by the Government.

“Including, for example, priority targets; how bureaucracy can be truly involved in handling poverty, stunting, and so on. If we share the tasks, we can complete them. The point is we will work according to the President’s directives, including on bureaucracy for service,” he said.

Azwar Anas further stated that he will continue to push for digitalization and integration of Government programs and activities, such as extreme poverty eradication program as well as Government goods and service procurement program.

“The President has mentioned that there are a lot of budgets for poverty [eradication]. The amount is Rp502 trillion in 16 ministries/institutions. If it is integrated, the results will speed up the achievement of targets as ordered by Bapak President,” he said.

Azwar Anas also stressed the importance of cooperation between the Central Government and regional governments in enhancing public service quality.

“Moving forward, joint measures need to be taken by ministries/institutions and regional governments as public service improvement is the key. We also need to keep improving public service as the President has ordered, including to be proactive in serving the people,” he remarked. (DND/TGH/UN) (DH/MUR)