Indonesian President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, has announced a new communications and information minister, Budi Arie Setiadi, ending months of speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle. Budi, who previously served as the deputy minister for villages, disadvantaged regions, and transmigration, was sworn in on Monday, replacing former minister Johnny G. Plate. Plate was removed from the Cabinet in May after being implicated in a corruption case involving a 4G telephony project that resulted in significant financial losses for the state. Budi is a trusted ally of President Jokowi and has been instrumental in his previous presidential campaigns.
In addition to the appointment of the new communications minister, President Jokowi also created a new deputy minister position at the Communications and Information Ministry. Nezar Patria, a former activist and Press Council member, was appointed to this role. Prior to his new appointment, Nezar served as a special staffer to the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises. President Jokowi also made several other appointments, including four new deputy ministers and two new members of the presidential advisory board (Wantimpres), filling vacancies left by resignations and a member’s passing.
These recent appointments indicate President Jokowi’s efforts to strengthen his Cabinet and bring in trusted individuals to key positions. The choice of Budi Arie Setiadi as the communications and information minister reinforces Jokowi’s reliance on loyal supporters. The new appointments will likely shape the government’s approach to communication and decision-making in various sectors, including villages, disadvantaged regions, transmigration, foreign affairs, state-owned enterprises, and religious affairs. [Source: The Jakarta Post]
