Indonesian President to Reshuffle Cabinet

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, is set to reshuffle his cabinet on Monday, just weeks before he hands over power to his successor, Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto. This move aims to facilitate a smooth transition as Jokowi prepares to depart in October, leaving behind a legacy marked by high approval ratings and consistent economic growth following the Covid-19 pandemic. The reshuffle will include new appointments for key ministries, including law and human rights, energy and mineral resources, and investment. The coordinator of the president’s special staff, Ari Dwipayana, emphasized that the appointments are essential for ensuring an orderly and effective government transition. Notably, the newly established national nutrition agency will support Prabowo’s campaign promise to provide free meals for schoolchildren, a multibillion-dollar initiative. Political analysts suggest that the new ministers will be closely aligned with Prabowo, indicating potential political motivations behind the reshuffle. Jokowi, who has served two terms since 2014, reflected on his administration's achievements in his final state of the nation address, highlighting advancements in the economy and infrastructure. Despite his successes, a significant legacy project—a $32 billion planned capital on Borneo island—faces ongoing construction delays and funding challenges. As Jokowi prepares to step down, the political landscape in Indonesia is poised for change, with Prabowo's leadership on the horizon.