By: Mas Sarifudin Ahmad *)
The formation of the new cabinet under the leadership of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka continues to be the focus 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, reflects a commitment to accelerating the implementation of the government agenda promised during the campaign.
According to political observer Ujang Komarudin, this move underscores Prabowo’s determination to promptly fulfill his campaign promises through the acceleration of his government’s work. Ujang believes that forming a cabinet made up of experts in their respective fields is an effective strategy for translating those promises into concrete policies. Ujang added that the performance evaluation of the ministers will be conducted within the first 100 days of work, to ensure the achievement of targets and the implementation of priority programs.
It is important to note that Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka are scheduled to be inaugurated as president and vice president on October 20, 2024. As the inauguration approaches, the highlighted point is Prabowo’s commitment to filling the cabinet with individuals who are truly experts in their fields. This step is taken to ensure that every position in the cabinet is filled by competent and experienced individuals who can make the maximum contribution to the upcoming government.
The formation of the cabinet is emphasized by the Secretary General of the Gerindra Party, Ahmad Muzani. Recently, Ahmad Muzani expressed his belief that the elected president Prabowo Subianto and the elected vice president Gibran Rakabuming Raka will form a cabinet known as the “zaken cabinet.” According to Muzani, this cabinet will be filled with professionals and experts in their respective fields, ensuring that key positions in the government will be held by individuals with high competence.
Muzani explained that although the ministers in the cabinet may come from political party backgrounds, the main priority remains the relevant expertise related to the positions they hold. This statement indicates that the quality and expertise of the ministerial candidates are the primary considerations in selecting cabinet members.
The concept of a cabinet of experts, which prioritizes professional expertise, is a positive and innovative step in the governance system. In an era full of challenges and dynamics, having a cabinet filled with experts can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the government in addressing various existing issues. Through this approach, it is hoped that the decisions made will be more based on deep knowledge and experience in their respective fields, rather than solely on political considerations.
Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka are currently in the process of planning the upcoming cabinet structure. It is known that the parties in the Indonesia Maju Coalition (KIM) have begun to propose names of ministerial candidates and portfolios for the upcoming cabinet. Although this process is still in the planning stage and not final, this step already demonstrates a strong commitment to forming a solid and competent government team.
The discussions held by Prabowo with several ministerial candidates also indicate that the selection of cabinet members is not solely based on political interests, but also on the competencies and expertise they possess. Although the proposed names may come from political parties, what is hoped for 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 made will be more effective and result-oriented for optimal outcomes.
The success of the implementation of the cabinet affairs will heavily depend on how the prospective ministers can collaborate and optimally contribute in their respective fields. Their performance will serve as an indicator of how well this approach can meet public expectations and deliver positive results for the country’s development.
Support for the formation of this cabinet also comes from the Central Leadership Council of the National Student Movement of Indonesia. (DPP GMNI). The Secretary General of the DPP GMNI, Muh. Ageng Dendy Setiawan, believes that the establishment of a zaken cabinet is the right step amid the various challenges faced by the country, such as food issues, energy, and geopolitical conditions. Dendy emphasized the importance of filling the cabinet with professionals who have expertise in their fields, to ensure the successful implementation of government policies.
Dendy also highlighted the challenges in realizing cabinet affairs, including the need for a coalition of political parties that have professional and integrity-driven cadres. I would like to remind you that although inviting professionals from outside the political party is a positive step, it still requires hard work and good coordination among various parties. In addition, Dendy emphasized the importance of studying the history of cabinets in Indonesia to learn from past 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 this expertise-based cabinet is a step that deserves appreciation. This indicates a seriousness and commitment to 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 more effectively and bring positive change for Indonesia. The attention and support from various groups, including political observers and student organizations, indicate that there is great hope for the success of this cabinet formation in achieving the established governmental goals.
*) Political Observer from ‘Indo Studies and Strategic’