JAKARTA, Feb 2 — Indonesia President Joko Widodo has insisted his Cabinet is working normally amid reports of discontent among top officials and long-running speculation of a planned resignation by his widely respected Finance Minister.
Reports of unease in the cabinet have been swirling as public criticism mounts against Jokowi, as the popular president is known, over his perceived political interference and bias ahead of a February 14 election.
“The cabinet has no problem,” he told the press today when asked about discontent among ministers, adding that it is normal and democratic to have differences of opinion.
Jokowi is nearing the end of his second term, which is the maximum allowed for an Indonesian president.
He has not explicitly endorsed any of the three presidential candidates but has made highly publicised appearances with Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, his rival, in the past two elections.
But his tacit backing of Prabowo, particularly at government functions, has led to criticism he has flouted election rules, which he rejects.
In Indonesia, sitting presidents can campaign for candidates, providing they do not use state resources and must take official leave to do so. Incumbents have typically been neutral.
Another bone of contention is the president’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is Prabowo’s running mate and was only allowed to join the race due to a late change of eligibility rules by a court that Jokowi’s brother-in-law headed.
Yesterday, another vice presidential candidate, Mahfud MD, resigned as chief security minister, citing an “ethical preference”. His aide earlier said it was due to Jokowi taking sides.
Portfolio investors have been most concerned about speculation that Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati might also resign. She has yet to confirm or deny the reports.
When asked about Sri Mulyani’s quitting today, presidential palace official Ari Dwipayana said she was working as usual. Sri Mulyani was scheduled to meet with the president later on Friday about the state budget.
Criticism of Jokowi has been widespread among intellectuals, with some from his alma mater this week issuing a petition over his “disregard for political principles”.
Today also saw University of Indonesia professors call for state officials not to bend to pressure to support any one candidate.
Flanked by dozens of academics while reading a statement streamed live, law professor Harkristuti Harkrisnowo said democracy had been “clobbered”. She did not mention the president explicitly.
“Our country seems to have lost its bearing due to foul play in a pursuit for power,” she said.
— Reuters
