Difficult Tasks Await Jokowi’s Government

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JAKARTA, KOMPAS — After the General Elections Commission (KPU) named him the president-elect for the 2019-2024 period, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is faced with difficult tasks. Among the most pressing issues is how to reunite the people, following sharp divisions during the election.

A Kompas research and development (R&D) poll conducted on June 26-27 involving 545 respondents in 16 major cities across Indonesia, shows four matters the government should focus on in the next six months. Reuniting the people following political divisions in the election is deemed either urgent or highly urgent by 84 percent of respondents.

Other matters deemed urgent are strengthening the Pancasila ideology and consolidating the institutions of the incoming administration, such as creating a new Cabinet, strong government coalition and choosing the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) leadership for 2019-2023. The KPK, formed as a mandate of the Reform era, will undergo a change of leadership this December.

Jokowi and Vice President Jusuf Kalla must begin resolving these issues right away and not wait for the presidential inauguration in October.

Jokowi highlighted the importance of reuniting the divided nation in his first victory speech as 2019-2024 president-elect at the KPU office in Jakarta on Sunday (30/6/2019). Reconciliation among the elites and the people was the first item Jokowi and VP-elect Ma’ruf Amin highlighted in their victory speech.

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto said that reconciliation among the grassroots would be the new administration’s responsibility. Jokowi-Amin, he said, would be a leader for all Indonesians. Government programs and policies would be implemented equally in all regions, regardless of their political preferences in the election.

“Matters of the past have been resolved. It is time to work hand-in-hand. Elections are only a means to find a leader. The President, despite losing in West Nusa Tenggara, still [develops] West Nusa Tenggara. So, there will be no different treatments,” he said.

The KPU’s final count shows Jokowi-Amin ahead in 21 provinces, while Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno won in 13. Jokowi-Amin gained 85.03 million votes while Prabowo-Sandiaga had 68.44 million votes.

Hasto said that a meeting between Jokowi and Prabowo as a symbol of togetherness among the elites was in the works.

“The political situation is much improved. Whether or not there will be a meeting, things are progressing nicely. However, as a nation known for consensus, a dialog with Pak Prabowo will be important,” he said.

Gerindra Party deputy chair Sufmi Dasco Ahmad echoed the sentiment. He said that it would not be difficult to arrange a meeting between Jokowi and Prabowo.

“If it is time to meet, it will be inevitable. Regarding who will initiate the meeting, just let it flow,” he said.

Center of Pancasila and Constitution Studies’ (Puskapsi) director Bayu Dwi Anggono at Jember University said that with the KPU having named the president-elect and VP-elect, all political divisions within the public related to the 2019 Election should end.

Divisions among the people due to political differences, Bayu said, should be monitored due to indications of the use of identity politics during the campaign period. Identity politics undermine Pancasila and national unity.

With respect to this issue, reconciliation must be done in parallel to efforts aiming to strengthen the Pancasila and the Constitution. Reconciliation must not be defined as negotiations that involve the government, allowing ideologies that contradict Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.

Seats in the government

After a reconciliation between Jokowi’s and Prabowo’s camps, the next challenge is how to consolidate political power. Hasto said that forming a coalition should not be merely about distributing seats in the cabinet.

“Our communications with Gerindra and the Democratic Party must not be immediately seen as an effort to give them ministerial positions. Reconciliation is a humane way to embrace all elements that can build the nation,” he said.

Hasto reaffirmed that a healthy democracy required a strong opposition to ensure checks and balances for the government’s work. “Decisions regarding post-election coalitions will be made by the president and political party chairs. However, I personally belief that a healthy coalition must be built before the election,” he said.

The Democratic Party, as a former supporter of Prabowo, responded positively to Jokowi’s call for reconciliation and cooperation.

“This is the way to go. There is time for competition. However, Pak Jokowi’s call is good for the country. Taking care of the country must not be the burden of only one or two persons. It should be borne collectively,” said Democratic Party secretary-general Hinca Panjaitan.

According to Hinca, Jokowi’s speech shows that he is open to the opportunity of working together with parties that supported Prabowo. The Democratic Party will determine its political position on July 10, after the 40-day anniversary of the passing of former first lady Ani Yudhoyono.

“I believe that this is Pak Jokowi’s message. We will see what parties suit him the best. Regarding the Cabinet and ministerial posts, they remain the President’s prerogative,” he said.

National Mandate Party (PAN) secretary-general Eddy Soeparno said his party would be ready to intensify communications with the Jokowi-Amin camp regarding post-election cooperation. PAN will announce its official decision in its National Work Meeting (Rakernas) in July or August.

“I think we will have a good relationship,” he said. (AGE/REK)

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