President-Elect Says Final Decision Cabinet After Lebaran

Jakarta (Antara) - President-elect Joko Widodo made it apparent on Thursday that he will be the final authority to decide on the cabinet formation, thereby ruling out any fear of interventions. "Until now, I have not yet talked about anyone, but it is okay if I ask for inputs, isn't it?" he stated here on Thursday. "The inputs certainly have yet to be processed based on certain criteria by a team and then by the supporting political parties and the team again before I make the final decision," he remarked. Joko Widodo declined to divulge details about his cabinet plan, including its proportion, following reports that it will be filled by more professionals than party figures. "I will not speak about it yet. Do not ask for details because if you do, many will intervene later. It is still being processed. As I have said before, we must not make a dichotomy between professionals and party figures as many party figures are also professionals," he added. Regarding his "Transition Office" Jokowi, as the president-elect is also popularly called, pledged that he will later disclose where it is located and its function after the post-fasting holiday of "Lebaran." Jokowi stated that he had consulted with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) regarding the transition process. "He has said to me that after my victory is confirmed by the KPU (General Elections Commission) he will be transparent with regard to the process," he stated, adding that he will even work together with President SBY on it. (*)