Prabowo's Cabinet Discussions Are More Intense After Today's KPU Determination

Some time ago, Airlangga said that his party deserved five seats in Prabowo-Gibran's cabinet because of Golkar's large contribution to Prabowo-Gibran's victory. When asked about this, Airlangga did not say much. "We'll see," he said.

Not only regarding the cabinet, according to Airlangga, many other things must be prepared after being determined by the KPU. There is about six months' time before Prabowo-Gibran officially take office in October. "Of course, the role of President Joko Widodo is important to guide us until October," he added.

Also read: Jokowi Plays an Important Role in Forming the Prabowo-Gibran Cabinet

He also expressed gratitude to the Constitutional Court (MK) for its decision regarding the dispute over the 2024 presidential election results. He considers the MK's decision to have ended the uncertainty. In other words, Prabowo-Gibran is confirmed to lead Indonesia from October onwards until 2029.

The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs also appreciates the other two presidential candidate pairs in the 2024 election, namely Anies Rasyid Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar and Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD, who have congratulated Prabowo-Gibran on their victory. According to Airlangga, this means that both candidate pairs accept the decision of the Constitutional Court. He sees this as a sportsmanlike and good action in a democratic country.

On Monday (23/4/2024), the Constitutional Court decided to reject all disputes regarding the presidential election results submitted by Anies-Muhaimin and Ganjar-Mahfud. The decision was marked by differing opinions from three judges of the Constitutional Court.

Also read: MK Rejects Application of Anies-Muhaimin and Ganjar-Mahfud, Three Judges "Dissenting Opinion"

Not only Airlangga, the Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Zulkifli Hasan, has revealed that before the Constitutional Court issues a verdict on the dispute over the 2024 Presidential Election results, the Indonesian Onward Coalition (KIM), a coalition of political parties supporting Prabowo-Gibran, has not yet discussed strategic matters related to the new government, including the cabinet. Discussions about this will only be intensified after a decision is made by the General Election Committee.

"After the Constitutional Court's decision and the KPU's decision, there will be discussions. "If it's still in process, it's already talking all kinds of things, it's not good," said Zulkifli during a media lunch at DPP PAN, South Jakarta.

Zulkifli continued, stating that Prabowo has always been obedient to the rules, so the formation of a new cabinet will only be done after the KPU's official announcement. "Let's wait until this long process is finished first, then we can focus on the next agenda," he said.

During a breaking of the fast event with Prabowo at the PAN DPP office in Warung Buncit, South Jakarta, on Thursday (21/3/2023), Prabowo praised PAN for their loyalty in supporting him since the 2014 elections. According to him, PAN is a loyal friend and always stays supportive through tough and happy times.

Prabowo has given a signal that he will allocate more ministerial positions to PAN, which has supported him in three presidential elections. He even mentioned that the number of ministerial positions given to PAN will exceed their expectations.

Also read: Prabowo's promise to PAN to avoid pursuing power too much

According to Zulkifli, it would be an honor if PAN were to get a ministerial position as previously mentioned by Prabowo. Moreover, PAN has high-quality party cadres. However, the decision to select ministers is the prerogative of the president.

Zulkifli left the decision to the president-elect. "Regarding Mr. Prabowo's statement (about ministerial positions), of course, it is an honor for us. PAN's journey with Mr. Prabowo has been long and filled with many joys and sorrows. However, the selection of cabinet members is the right of the president-elect. In PAN, there are many talented individuals, so please go ahead. But we understand the rules. As for ministers, it is the full right of the president-elect," he said.

Also read: Prabowo Will Continue Political Lobbying After Becoming Elected President

Deputy General Chair of PAN Yandri Susanto said that he did not know the names of the PAN cadres who were proposed as ministerial candidates.

"How many ministers, how many of them, only the party chairman knows. We have entrusted 100 percent to Bang Zulkifli Hasan, and who communicates with Mr. Prabowo is Bang Zulkifli," he said.