ANN/THE JAKARTA POST – Prabowo Subianto’s camp acknowledges President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo’s substantial involvement in shaping the forthcoming administration’s Cabinet and policies, while asserting Prabowo’s ultimate authority.
Despite the official election results awaited until mid-March, indications suggest Prabowo’s victory, prompting speculation on the cabinet’s composition and Jokowi’s role, especially considering his son’s slated vice-presidency under Prabowo.
Drajad Wibowo, a senior member of Prabowo’s campaign team, emphasized Jokowi’s expected advisory role, underscoring its significance in the process.
Drajad said that as Prabowo’s campaign had been built around the idea of continuing and expanding Jokowi’s policies, he would welcome the outgoing leader’s views not only on the formation of the incoming administration but also on future policies.
Jokowi is widely expected to play a major role in the selection of Cabinet members in an effort maintain his political influence after leaving office and ensure that the next administration is well positioned to pursue his policy aims.
Sources familiar with post-election coalition-building talks say Jokowi has asked Prabowo to give him a say in up to four Cabinet posts in the next administration, with some of the President’s close allies, including State Secretary Pratikno and Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, reportedly making the list of candidates.
Drajad, who is also a senior member of the National Mandate Party (PAN), declined to comment on how far Jokowi would seek to influence the Cabinet line-up, saying that the final decision would rest with the incoming president.
“Forming a Cabinet is a president’s prerogative. So when Prabowo is inaugurated as the next President, it will be his prerogative,” Drajad said. – Yerica Lai
