By: Mas Sarifudin Ahmad *)
The formation of a new cabinet under the leadership of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka continues to be the center of public attention. The plan to form a zaken cabinet, a cabinet that will be filled with professionals from various backgrounds, both political and non-political, illustrates the commitment to accelerating the implementation of the government’s agenda that was promised during the campaign.
According to Political Observer, Ujang Komarudin, this step confirms Prabowo’s determination to immediately realize campaign promises through the acceleration of his government’s work. Ujang believes that the formation of a cabinet consisting of experts in their respective fields is an effective strategy to translate these promises into concrete policies. Ujang added that the performance evaluation of the ministers will be carried out in the first 100 days of work, to ensure the achievement of targets and implementation of priority programs.
It should be noted that Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka are scheduled to be inaugurated as president and vice president on October 20, 2024. Ahead of the inauguration, the thing that was emphasized was Prabowo’s commitment to fill the cabinet with individuals who are truly experts in their fields. This step was taken to ensure that every position in the cabinet is filled by competent and experienced people, who can make maximum contributions to the upcoming government.
The formation of a zaken cabinet was emphasized by the Secretary General (Sekjen) of the Gerindra Party, Ahmad Muzani. Ahmad Muzani recently expressed his belief that president-elect Prabowo Subianto and vice president-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka will form a cabinet known as the “zaken cabinet.” According to Muzani, this cabinet will be filled by professionals and experts in their respective fields, ensuring that key positions in government will be held by individuals with high competence.
Muzani explained that although ministers in the cabinet may come from political party backgrounds, the main priority remains expertise relevant to the position held. This statement shows that the quality and expertise of prospective ministers are the main considerations in selecting cabinet members.
This zaken cabinet concept, which prioritizes professional expertise, is a positive and innovative step in the government system. In an era full of challenges and dynamics, having a cabinet filled with experts can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the government in overcoming various existing problems. Through this approach, it is hoped that the decisions taken will be more based on in-depth knowledge and experience in their respective fields, not merely political considerations.
Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka are currently in the process of planning the structure of the upcoming cabinet. It is known that the parties in the Advanced Indonesia Coalition (KIM) have begun to submit the names of ministerial candidates and portfolios for the upcoming cabinet. Although this process is still in the planning stage and is not final, this step has shown a strong commitment to forming a solid and competent government team.
Discussions conducted by Prabowo with several ministerial candidates also showed that the selection of cabinet members was not only based on political interests, but also on the competence and expertise they possess. Although the proposed names may come from political parties, what is expected are professionals who are truly experts in their respective fields. This approach is expected to bring a breath of fresh air to the government, with the hope that the decisions taken will be more effective and oriented towards optimal results.
The success of the implementation of the cabinet zaken will depend greatly on how the ministerial candidates can collaborate and contribute optimally in their respective fields. Their performance will be an indicator of the extent to which this approach can meet the expectations of the community and provide positive results for the development of the country.
Support for the formation of this cabinet also came from the Central Leadership Council of the Indonesian National Student Movement (DPP GMNI). Secretary General of DPP GMNI, Muh. Ageng Dendy Setiawan, considered that the formation of the zaken cabinet was the right step amidst the various challenges faced by the country, such as food, energy, and geopolitical conditions. Dendy emphasized the importance of filling the cabinet with professionals who have competence in their fields, to ensure the successful implementation of government policies.
Dendy also highlighted the challenges in realizing a zaken cabinet, including the need for a coalition of political parties that have professional cadres with integrity. He reminded that although inviting professionals from outside political parties is a positive step, it still requires hard work and good coordination between various parties. In addition, Dendy emphasized the importance of studying the history of cabinets in Indonesia to learn from previous experiences, in order to ensure that the cabinet formed can truly support the vision and mission of the elected president and provide welfare for the people.
Overall, the formation of a cabinet based on expertise is a step that deserves appreciation. This shows the seriousness and commitment in creating a more professional and efficient government. With a cabinet filled with experts, Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka are believed to be able to face various challenges better and bring positive changes to Indonesia. The attention and support from various groups, including political observers and student organizations, show that there is great hope for the success of the formation of this cabinet in realizing the goals of the government that have been set.
*) Political observer from ‘Indo Studies and Strategic’
