Changes seen in Indonesia as Jokowi moves

“Reformasi”, the slogan of the 7th Indonesian President Joko Widodo, is taking shape in his first month in office as the leader of the biggest Muslim state in the world.

Six days after his inauguration, Jokowi announced his working cabinet, eight days faster than the 14-day deadline mandated by law. The 34-member final list of Jokowi’s working cabinet included senior figures from his political ticket, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). Some of them include Rini Soewandi, state enterprises minister; Tjahjo Kumolo, interior minister; Ryamizard Ryacudu for defense; and Puan Maharani, senior coordinating minister for human development and culture.

Critics point out that the line-up reflects greatly the influence of former President Megawati Sukarnoputri, the political patron of Jokowi and currently the chairman of PDI-P. Soewandi was the former trade minister and confidant under Megawati; Ryacudu a known loyalist; and Puan Maharani, her daughter. Kumojo is the secretary-general of PDI-P.

Despite criticism, Indonesia’s new president says that he selected his ministers based on their capabilities and managerial skills. Jokowi allegedly weeded out people who were identified by the nation’s anti-corruption commission, KPK and the auditing body PPATK. Statistics of his cabinet reflect his meticulous selection: 20 coming from a professional background, and 14 from five political parties. Eights females have also been selected, a first for any Indonesian government.

Jokowi has launched the Indonesia Smart Card and Indonesia Health Card last October 7, one of his first policies as president. Originally a landmark policy of Jokowi during his term as Jakarta governor, this aims to provide free health insurance for the poor and ensure basic education and educational needs through cash grants. Right after arriving from his first overseas trips, Jokowi announced the increase of prices for gasoline and diesel, a move that will reduce fuel subsidies. This move will enable more revenue for other sectors such as health and education. It is considered as well to be part of the solution to solve the heavy traffic and pollution in the capital Jakarta.

Another notable change in the world’s third largest democracy is the instatement of the first ethnic Chinese governor of Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama. Known more as “Ahok”, he was sworn in personally by President Joko Widodo. Ahok was Jokowi’s deputy during his gubernatorial stint and is known for his straight-forward and uncompromising views.