Golkar Confident Prabowo Will Choose Professionals for Cabinet, PKS Responds

Golkar Party Secretary-General Muhammad Sarmuji stated that the source and recruitment process for ministers is entirely the prerogative of President Prabowo Subianto. “Regarding the cabinet, its sources, the recruitment process, and distribution to ministries, we leave it entirely to the president. We trust the president, because the president is the user,” Sarmuji said at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (12/8/2026).

Sarmuji argued that a person’s background, whether from a political party or non-party circles, does not automatically determine their level of professionalism. “The background is the same. Whether someone comes from a political background or elsewhere, it is the same. There is no shortage of professional people within political parties,” he said. “Conversely, if the selection is wrong elsewhere, one can also fall into the trap of unprofessionalism,” he added.

Sarmuji expressed confidence that President Prabowo will choose professional figures to fill cabinet positions, irrespective of their political or non-political backgrounds. “We believe the president will select professional people. Whether they come from a political party or outside, we are convinced the president will choose professionals, and we leave it to the president who holds that prerogative right,” he said.

Earlier, Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) Election Winning Body Chairman Mardani Ali Sera responded to the issue of a cabinet reshuffle after 17 August. Mardani supported the idea if President Prabowo Subianto wishes to recruit new people with strong capabilities. “I have not received any news. Ultimately, it is the president’s prerogative. But a merit system should be a consideration,” Mardani told reporters on Sunday (9/8).

Mardani said bureaucratic reform is necessary within the government. He noted that President Prabowo faces a heavy task, given recent survey results indicating that the government’s performance has not been optimal. “Plus, bureaucratic reform needs to be implemented. Simplify the structure and enrich the function. President Prabowo has a heavy task. In several surveys, public satisfaction levels have declined,” he said.

The member of House of Representatives Commission II supported 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 cadres. “It is good if they want to recruit people 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.