Image: Reuters Berita 24 English - Following uproar over a series of policy reversals on palm oil exports, Indonesian President Joko Widodo ...
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| Image: Reuters |
Berita 24 English - Following uproar over a series of policy reversals on palm oil exports, Indonesian President Joko Widodo ordered a cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday, dismissing the trade minister and announcing a replacement.
In addition to other changes, Zulkifli Hasan, the chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) and a former forestry minister, was sworn in as the country's new trade minister.
The previous president, Muhammad Lutfi, presided over a policy reversal aimed at containing a rise in domestic cooking oil costs, which included a restriction on palm oil exports from the world's largest exporter.
Before it was removed on May 23, the three-week export embargo sent shockwaves through global markets and resulted in a number of arrests for alleged corruption.
Jokowi, the president, said Zulkifli's "extensive track record" and "field expertise" gave him confidence in his ability to handle the difficulties.
Following his nomination, the new minister promised to "quickly fix issues regarding the availability and affordability of cooking oil in particular."
Analysts, on the other hand, had mixed feelings about his hiring.
Bhima Yudhistira, director of the Center for Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS), expressed disappointment that the president was more concerned with appeasing his coalition's demands than with improving his government's performance.
"The most important thing for Jokowi to leave a legacy is to choose a minister of trade with a professional background, and there are many alternatives. Why does a political party choose its chairman?"
The Traditional Market Traders Association (IKAPPI) thanked the incoming minister, noting that he will have to deal with a number of difficult issues.
"We'd like to extend a warm welcome to the rainforest. This wasteland must be cleaned up, and we hope that (the minister) will encourage traditional market traders, SMEs, and domestic trade "In a statement, the organisation stated.
Jokowi also announced changes to the agrarian and spatial planning ministry, hiring Hadi Tjahjanto, a former military forces head who will be entrusted with resolving land issues, particularly in reference to East Kalimantan's proposed new capital, Nusantara.
Three deputy ministers were also appointed by the president to the ministries of manpower, spatial planning, and home affairs.
