Zulkifli Becomes 4th Party Leader to Join Jokowi Cabinet

Lenny Tristia Tambun
June 15, 2022 | 5:59 pm
SHARE
President Joko Widodo speaks to journalists accompanied by Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan, left, and Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister Hadi Tjahjanto at the State Palace in Jakarta on June 15, 2022. (Lenny Tristia Tambun)
President Joko Widodo speaks to journalists accompanied by Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan, left, and Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister Hadi Tjahjanto at the State Palace in Jakarta on June 15, 2022. (Lenny Tristia Tambun)

Jakarta. National Mandate Party (PAN) Chairman Zulkifli Hasan was appointed as the new trade minister in a surprise cabinet shakeup on Wednesday that also saw the return of former military chief Hadi Tjahjanto to public office.

Zulkifli, once considered an opposing figure to the current government, takes over the job from Muhammad Lutfi.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo also installed Hadi as the new agrarian and spatial planning minister replacing Sofyan Djalil.

Zulkifli’s arrival in the cabinet broadens the scope of the pro-government coalition which currently controls a vast majority of seats in the House of Representatives.

Advertisement

But Jokowi insisted that the appointment of the two new ministers was nothing political.

“We consider their track record, vast experience, and managerial skill,” the president said after the ceremony.

Zulkifli is the fourth political party leader to join the cabinet after Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party chairman Prabowo Subianto who serves as the defense minister, Golkar Party Chairman Airlangga Hartarto who is also the coordinating minister for the economy, and United Development Party Chairman Suharso Monoarfa who serves as the national development planning minister.

Just before the swearing-in ceremony, the president hosted a meeting with the leaders of pro-government parties including Zulkifli, Prabowo, Airlangga, Suharso, National Democratic Party Chairman Surya Paloh, Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, and National Awakening Party (PKB) Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar.

The top-level gathering took place at the newly-built “presidential lounge” inside the State Palace.

“We discussed political consolidation to tackle global challenges in the energy and food sectors,” Airlangga said. 

“We are facing difficult challenges in many sectors and it requires political stability to cope with those challenges,” he added.

The first meeting ever at the presidential lounge was also meant to welcome Zulkifli to the cabinet, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said.

The president also installed three ministerial deputies including Afriansyah Noor as the deputy for the manpower minister, Raja Juli Antoni as the deputy for the agrarian minister, and John Wempi Wetipo as the deputy for the home affairs minister.
 

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

Related Articles


News 6 hours ago

Jokowi Vows to Show Original Diploma in Court, Says Investigation Ongoing

Jokowi says his fake diploma case is still under investigation by Jakarta police, despite the National Police dropping a similar complaint.
News May 22, 2025 | 4:08 pm

Police Confirm Jokowi’s Diploma Is Authentic, Ending Fake Degree Rumors

Police say Jokowi’s UGM diploma is real after forensic review, ending years of fake degree rumors and closing the forgery investigation.
News May 20, 2025 | 1:38 pm

Jokowi: “No Choice But Court” to End Fake Diploma Accusations

“To be honest, I’m saddened that this case has come this far. I feel sorry for those who continue to deny the truth,” Jokowi said.
Business May 16, 2025 | 7:25 pm

Indonesia Reopens Salt Imports as Industries Face Raw Material Shortage

Indonesia delays salt import ban to 2027 as key industries face shortages, allowing time to boost local production.
News May 15, 2025 | 2:33 pm

Indonesia Aims to Overtake Vietnam in Global Coffee Production

The government is now focusing on expanding coffee production, recognizing its significant potential in the global market.
News May 14, 2025 | 10:25 pm

Jokowi Eyes PSI Top Post, Jokes About Beating the Odds

Jokowi said he is still making political calculations regarding the possibility of leading the youth-oriented party.
News May 9, 2025 | 11:36 am

Jokowi to Deniers: My Diploma Is Real -- Now Face the Law

Jokowi’s legal team appeared at police headquarters in Jakarta with the diploma, which was hand-delivered by his brother-in-law.
News May 8, 2025 | 6:28 pm

Jokowi: Media Has Crucial Role in Sustaining Public Morale

"With 10 years of experience leading the country, he remains a valuable voice of reason," Enggartiasto said of Jokowi.
News May 5, 2025 | 8:48 pm

Prabowo Rejects ‘Puppet’ Label, Defends Jokowi Ties as Statesmanship

Prabowo denies being Jokowi's puppet, calling ongoing talks with ex-presidents smart governance, not subservience, amid rising criticism.
News Apr 30, 2025 | 1:55 pm

After a Decade of Rumors, Jokowi Finally Reports Fake Diploma Accusations to Police

Ex-President Jokowi files a police report over fake diploma claims, saying the decade-long rumors must be legally resolved once and for all.

The Latest


News 2 hours ago

At Least 60 Killed in Israeli Strikes as Gaza Aid Remains Scarce

At least 60 killed in Gaza strikes as Israel allows limited aid amid global pressure and UN warnings of looming famine.
Business 2 hours ago

Benzoin Resin Touted as Next Big Commodity in Indonesia’s Downstream Strategy

Luhut Pandjaitan says benzoin resin, or kemenyan, holds untapped potential for Indonesia’s downstream strategy and rural economic growth.
Business 2 hours ago

Trump Threatens 50% Tariffs on EU, 25% on Apple iPhones Made Abroad

Trump threatens 50% tariffs on EU goods and 25% on Apple products unless iPhones are made in the US, escalating his trade war.
News 4 hours ago

Minister Shuts Down Tangerang Steel Plant Over Toxic Smoke Emissions

The facility, operated by Power Steel Mandiri in the Cikupa Industrial Complex, was found to be emitting hazardous air pollutants.
Business 6 hours ago

Shell’s Exit from Indonesia Fuel Retail Not a Sign of Energy Sector Decline, Says Minister

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia says Shell’s sale of Indonesian fuel stations is a normal business move, not a worsening energy sector.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED