Fahri Hamzah on Cabinet Reshuffle: It Is a Prerogative Right, the President May Choose Not to Share with Anyone

Jakarta - Fahri Hamzah, the Deputy General Chairman of the Gelora Party who also serves as Deputy Minister for Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP), has emphasised that the issue of a cabinet reshuffle is entirely the prerogative of President Prabowo Subianto. Fahri stated that under Indonesia’s state system, the President has full authority to determine the cabinet’s composition without needing to consult or seek approval from any other party. “That is all within the President’s domain, and in my view, it is indeed a prerogative area. Because the law states that it is a prerogative domain. So the President may choose not to share it with anyone,” Fahri explained during the Gaspol Kompas.com YouTube programme on Saturday (18/4/2026). He explained that unlike the system in the United States (US), which requires congressional approval for presidential nominees, Indonesia has no such mechanism. “In the US, there is a confirmation system. He has to send the nominees to Congress first. Only then does he get approval or not. But here, no. He can do it anytime,” Fahri said. According to Fahri, this authority should be kept confidential to maintain stability in the cabinet’s work. He assessed that reshuffle decisions do not need to be publicised before they are finalised. “So, keep it secret; it is his right. In my view, do not share it with anyone. That is his domain; if he chooses to share it, that is again his right,” he said. Regarding President Prabowo’s earlier statement that problematic ministers could be replaced after three warnings, Fahri reiterated that evaluating ministers’ performance lies entirely in the President’s hands. Fahri viewed Prabowo not as a harsh leader but as someone who prioritises communication in leading the cabinet. “Mr Prabowo is not a cruel person; he is someone who talks things over with people. So just do the work right, do it straightforwardly,” said Fahri. He added that the President appreciates the positive attitudes of his aides. According to him, Prabowo often sets high targets but still understands human limitations.