Jokowi: Be Careful in Managing the Regions
Demonstrations in Jayapura, Papua, and Manokwari and Sorong, West Papua, earlier this week, surprised many circles. That incident, among other ones, has reminded us of the importance of managing relationships among diverse citizens of the nation.
"We are a big nation that has 714 different tribes with various religions and regional languages, so the characters and cultures are different. Therefore, we, especially public officials, must be very careful in managing their regions," said President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo when interviewed by Kompas deputy general chairman Budiman Tanuredjo at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (20/8/2019).
In a 40-minute interview that took place in a relaxed atmosphere, Jokowi, "[…] the most important thing is that the TNI-Polri can handle the problem on the ground," he said, referring to the Indonesian Military and the National Police.
The following are excerpts from the interview with Jokowi, who besides talking about Papua, also spoke about other matters, such as human resources, Cabinet arrangement, amendment of the Constitution and the relocation of the nation’s capital.
What does the President see about the actions that took place in Papua?
This is a matter of offense on the part of the people of Papua and I have already invited all of us to forgive each other because by forgiving one another, we appreciate and respect each other.
I visited Papua the most among the other provinces. I went to Nduga [in Papua] twice, and if I may inform you, I was not allowed by the TNI commander and the National Police chief to go there due to security reasons. But, I said that Nduga regency is included in the Republic of Indonesia’s territory, so I need to know what it looks like.
Electorally, Papua is in the far east and its population is small. Why does the President pay special attention to the region?
The development we are doing should not be Java-centric, but Indonesia-centric. All provinces have the same right to enjoy development. I see Papua needs more attention.
Apart from physical development, is there a strategy to win the hearts of Papuans?
We embrace them with the welfare approach because that is what we want to do.
Human resources development
According to the President, quality infrastructure and human resources are an absolute requirement to compete with other countries.
"In the next five years, we want to concentrate on the development of human resources that begin at pregnancy. Then, during elementary education, work on character building starts. In secondary education, children begin to be taught critical power, cooperation and the power of innovation. In the tertiary institution, we direct competitiveness at the regional and global levels," said the President.
When talking about tertiary institutions, was there ever discourse about inviting foreign rectors to lead tertiary institutions in Indonesia?
We have around 4,700 universities, polytechnics and academies. If we give opportunities to foreign rectors, why not? Because only one, two or three [might be rectors]. If it makes sense, then yes, let us have coffee [with foreign rectors]. If it does not make sense, why should we employ them?
Of the thousands of tertiary institutions in the country, none are in the top 100 in terms of world class universities. We have to jointly think about this reality.
Of the thousands of tertiary institutions in the country, none are in the top 100 in terms of world class universities. We have to jointly think about this reality.
Talking about the Cabinet, who is the kind of figure who will manage the development of such human resources?
They must understand the era of disruption, the importance of artificial intelligence, how to implement the curriculum with technology. As this country is spread from Sabang to Merauke, with varying levels of education quality, how can this be standardized?
Do you already have a description who the education minister should be and their vision and mission?
The public can see it after it is announced.
Will the announcement be after or before the inauguration?
It could be before, could be after.
The President also mentioned that the proportion of ministers was 45 percent for political parties and 55 percent for professionals. Why?
The appointment of the minister is the president\'s prerogative. However, we also allow the supporting parties to make proposals. Candidates for minister must have good managerial skills and have the courage to execute programs. It means they must be a strong executor.
There were also ideas from the President that it is time for young ministers to rise up in the ranks.
The most important thing is not age, but rather having management skills, being able to execute programs. If they were only young, but not competent, what would be the point?
In the coming Cabinet, will there be representatives from various regions?
This is part of the calculation.
When will the Cabinet formation be completed with coalition member parties?
Actually it has already been completed, we only need to finalize it.
Will Gerindra Party enter the Cabinet?
We and the coalition have not talked about the inclusion of a new party in the coalition.
What is the President’s opinion on the amendment of the Constitution?
We need to do in-depth studies, we need to make the proper calculations. Do not ever let this amendment trigger unnecessary political shocks. If there is a desire to make the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) the highest institution, which means the president and vice president are elected by the MPR, I will refuse it immediately.
Is the position of the MPR to produce the State Policy Guidelines (GBHN)?
The State Policy Guidelines are necessary. But, once again, can we keep that to the extent [of the amendment]? Because I have talked to parties, but it seems that they have different opinions. There are those who want this, others want that.
Does this mean that the amendment cannot be used as an urgent issue that must be resolved by the MPR?
In my opinion, yes. Not yet.
The President also asked permission to move the capital city to Kalimantan. What is the rationale behind moving the capital city?
This idea has actually existed for a long time, since the first president, Bung Karno. I think Kalimantan still has the carrying capacity and great ability to become a new capital city.
When the President ends the term of office in 2024, will the capital city have been relocated?
In the five-year term, with regard to the palace and 34 ministries, they are expected to have been dealt with. It means in 2023-2024 they can begin to be moved. For non-ministries and other high institutions, they can follow suit.
Your son will also be running for the position of the mayor of Solo?
I’ll leave it to [him]. I cannot impose it on my children.
And if they decide, Pak, to become a member of the council or to become mayor?
Yes, I can only disclose my support.
But, have you done it?
Not yet.
(INA/ NTA/ HAR)