Sumber : Istimewa
THE cabinet of the Prabowo-Gibran administration is set to be formed on October 20, 2024. Prabowo is said to be forming a “zaken cabinet,” which refers to a “chubby” or “gemoy” in Bahasa, it’s a term used informally to describe a government body perceived as bloated or having excessive members. It is reminiscent of the era before the Reformation during Sukarno’s time. However, this cabinet is expected to be larger, with reports suggesting an increase to around 43 ministries and agencies, surpassing the number during Jokowi’s presidency.
In Jokowi’s first term, there were 20 ministers from professional backgrounds and 14 from political parties. In his second term, the numbers reversed, with 14 professional ministers and 20 from political parties. This shift indicates Jokowi’s attempt to build political influence by allocating more seats to political parties, thereby reducing his reliance on the PDI-P, the party that helped elevate him to the presidency for two terms.
The political incentive patterns also reveal a significant change. In the first term, opposition parties held 31.07% of the seats, while in the second term, this dropped to just 7.8%, with the government coalition reaching 91.3%. As a result, political parties felt cornered, particularly due to financial constraints.
Being in the opposition offered little incentive, and by the end of his term, Jokowi had amassed considerable power, leaving political parties in a vulnerable position. His political style increasingly resembled “pork barrel politics,” where public funds are used for projects that benefit specific electoral districts to garner political support.
The outcome? A regression in democracy. While Jokowi’s administration saw aggregate economic growth of around five percent, social inequality has sharply increased. Job opportunities have dwindled compared to previous periods, leading to widespread stories of mass layoffs across various industries. The cost of living has risen, education has become more expensive, and farmers continue to struggle with low agricultural prices.
While the economic pie has grown, only a select few are reaping the benefits. Many individuals, especially from Generation Z, feel insecure about their futures, often resorting to informal work. Ironically, the government seems preoccupied with self-promotion rather than addressing these issues. Jokowi’s policies have failed to create a “trickle-down effect.”
Infrastructure development and downstream industrialization, touted as key achievements, have not significantly expanded job opportunities for youth. It is hoped that Prabowo’s administration will avoid repeating the mistakes of Jokowi’s tenure. The “pork barrel” politics practiced by Jokowi’s associates, including Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is set to be Prabowo’s vice president, could persist.
Gibran’s early actions, such as distributing books and milk, mirror Jokowi’s tactics of distributing basic goods to cultivate a favorable image. The essence of government lies in creating policies that enhance the welfare of its citizens. Democracy thrives when people are prosperous and can freely choose their leaders.
The establishment of a “zaken cabinet,” comprised of experts and professionals, is certainly intriguing. However, it must avoid unnecessary expenditure and bureaucratic expansion that complicates coordination. The upcoming cabinet should be market-friendly, at the very least, pro-investment. Legal certainty, which has become a topic of public concern, must be restored. The government needs to foster a stable investment climate with clearer business regulations. The recent turmoil within KADIN serves as a warning for investment prospects.
The hope is that this “zaken cabinet” will minimize the influence of political parties, which are increasingly seen as opportunistic. The new government must focus on creating job opportunities for the youth who have been waiting too long for employment. Prabowo’s administration must shift its economic development direction. This vision can become a reality if the “zaken cabinet” is genuinely established. Officials and politicians engaging in unethical practices should face collective consequences to instill a sense of deterrence.
With a large population and high consumption, a 5% economic growth rate is already assured. The key lies in providing business certainty through market-friendly policies. Once investments flow in, achieving a 7% growth rate should not be overly challenging.
The focus must be on a pro-investment “zaken cabinet” that moves away from Jokowi’s policies, which have failed to create substantial job opportunities. Over his ten years in office, Jokowi fostered investor distrust and led to fiscal damage that burdened citizens with high taxes.
Now is the time to concentrate on creating job opportunities for the youth. This is essential to prevent Indonesia from falling into the middle-income trap, which would obscure its future. Distributing books and conducting outreach will not suffice to meet the needs of the Indonesian people!
In Jokowi’s first term, there were 20 ministers from professional backgrounds and 14 from political parties. In his second term, the numbers reversed, with 14 professional ministers and 20 from political parties. This shift indicates Jokowi’s attempt to build political influence by allocating more seats to political parties, thereby reducing his reliance on the PDI-P, the party that helped elevate him to the presidency for two terms.
