Track Records, Experiences, Main Reasons for Selecting Wantimpres Members

President Jokowi responds to reporters’ questions after the inauguration of the Presidential Advisory Board (Wantimpres) members for 2019-2024 period, at the State Palace, Jakarta, Friday (13/12). (Photo by: Agung/PR)

Good track records and experiences, as well as capability and integrity are several considerations for President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in selecting 9 (nine) members of the Presidential Advisory Board (Wantimpres) for 2019-2024 period.

“I think they (the newly-appointed Wantimpres members) have the capacity to provide advice and consideration to the President whether requested or not,” President Jokowi told reporters after inaugurating Wantimpres members for 2019-2024 period.

According to the President, each member has their own expertise, for example Gus Luthfi (Habib Luthfi bin Yahya in social and religious affairs, Dato Tahir in economic affairs, Putri Kuswisnu Wardani in small-medium sized enterprises.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also said that People’s Conscience (Hanura) Party Chairman Oesman Sapta Odang has declined the Wantimpres position offer since the Board does not allow its members to have double position. This morning, he added, Oesman has told the Minister of State Secretary that he prefers to focus on managing the party.

The President went on to say that Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs in President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s first term, Wiranto, was installed as the Head of Wantimpres because he has long track records and experiences in government agencies and in the military.

“Since he had addressed issues on various sectors, I think (he can) provide advice and consideration to the President,” President Jokowi stated.

For the record, President Jokowi under Presidential Decision Number 137/P/2019 installed 9 (nine) Wantimpres Members for 2019-2024 period on Friday (13/12), at the State Palace, Jakarta.

The newly-appointed members are: 1. Wiranto, Head of the Wantimpres, concurrently as member; 2. Agung Laksono (member), Golkar Party politician; 3.Arifin Panigoro (member), entrepreneur; 4. Soekarwo (member), former East Java Governor; 5.Sidarto Danusubroto (member), Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician; 6.  M. Mardiono Bakar (member), United Development Party (PPP) politician; 7.Dato Sri Tahir (member), entrepreneur; 8. Habib Luthfi bin Yahya (member), Muslim cleric; and 9. Putri Kuswisnu Wardani (member), entrepreneur. (MAY/AGG/ES)

Translated by :Rany Anjany
Reviewed by :Lulu Wuliarti