Gerindra Responds to PKS Proposal to Recruit Non-Party Figures for Cabinet

Gerindra spokesperson Bahtra Banong has responded to a statement by PKS Election Winning Body (Bappilu) chairman Mardani Ali Sera, who said that if President Prabowo Subianto wishes to recruit new people for the cabinet, they need not come from political parties. Bahtra said his party respects all input.

“We certainly appreciate and respect every proposal or expression of aspiration from various parties,” Bahtra told journalists on Tuesday (11/8/2026).

Bahtra deferred the reshuffle proposal to President Prabowo. He stressed that the matter is part of the president’s prerogative.

“However, regarding a cabinet reshuffle, or filling existing vacancies in the cabinet, this is of course the president’s prerogative. Therefore, we leave it entirely to the president,” he added.

Previously, Mardani had responded to the issue of a cabinet refresh or reshuffle after 17 August. Mardani expressed support if President Prabowo Subianto wished to recruit new people to the cabinet with strong capabilities.

The member of House of Representatives Commission II said he supports the government recruiting new people for the Red and White Cabinet. Mardani noted that priority should be given to individuals with integrity, without necessarily relying on party figures.

“It is good if they want to recruit people who are known to the public as having capacity and integrity. If necessary, professionals, not necessarily party people. There are many qualified sons and daughters of the nation,” he said.