Minister prioritizes smooth transition of policies ahead of new gov't

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf stated that he will focus on ensuring a smooth transition of social affairs policies ahead of the incoming presidency of Prabowo Subianto next October during his tenure.

Speaking after his induction as cabinet minister here on Wednesday, Yusuf also vouched to help continue the current policies and carry out incomplete programs left by his predecessor, Tri Rismaharini.

Moreover, as he will serve in his new role for just over a month, Yusuf said he is cognizant of President Joko Widodo's (Jokowi's) intention of beefing up the transition process to ensure continuity of social policies in the new government.

"We are keen to help, despite our time constraints, according to the president's instruction. We also consider the government transition, especially regarding what the social affairs ministry will do in 2025," the minister remarked.

Meanwhile, Yusuf said he would first consult with Coordinating Minister of Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Muhadjir Effendy, regarding the expansion of social assistance for middle-class residents.

He estimated that it would take him two days at the most to consider and finalize programs that his ministry will implement until the new leadership takes place.

The president, on Wednesday morning, appointed Saifullah Yusuf as social affairs minister in his Onward Indonesia Cabinet, replacing Tri Rismaharini, who resigned to run in the 2024 local elections.

Yusuf, also known by his nickname Gus Ipul, earlier served as the mayor of Pasuruan in East Java from 2021 until he was appointed a cabinet minister. He was the deputy governor of East Java from 2009 to 2019.

He has been a member of the National Awakening Party (PKB) and is affiliated with one of Indonesia's largest Muslim organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), where he served as its secretary general.