Jokowi's Cabinet not Perfect: Observer

Jakarta (Antara) - The working cabinet of President Joko Widodo is not perfect as some ministers are placed not based on their background, an observer said. Political observer Ubedilah Badrun of the Jakarta State University (UNJ) made this statement as he believed that several ministers were appointed despite being marked red by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), while many others were appointed to ministries out of their fields. "The cabinet is not perfect because some ministers were selected for positions not in accordance with their fields. Maritime Minister Susi Pujiastuti, for example, has no background in the fisheries sector," Badrun said here on Monday. He added that the same held true for Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurgaya, who has no background in the allocated sectors. Badrun further noted that ministers with alleged problematic backgrounds who were appointed to posts out of their element would have difficulty in carrying out their tasks. "To mask their weaknesses, they have to strive hard and create a perfect system of work," Badrun remarked. The political observer also pointed out that an ideal cabinet was one with ministers appointed in accordance with their respective backgrounds, which would ensure maximal productivity and success. On Monday (October 27), President Joko Widodo installed 34 cabinet ministers, including 14 political party members and 20 non-political professionals. (*)