Jumhur Joins Cabinet, Analyst: Could Serve as Bridge for Workers' Aspirations to Government

The inclusion of Jumhur Hidayat in the latest cabinet of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration is seen as a bridge for workers’ aspirations to the government. Adi Prayitno, a political analyst from Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, believes Jumhur’s closeness to labour circles is a vital asset in building communication between the government and workers. According to him, Jumhur’s background as a labour activist, intellectual, and figure with strong grassroots networks likely influenced Prabowo’s decision to appoint him to the cabinet. He added that, although Jumhur has been entrusted with a position in the environmental sector, his political track record and proximity to labour groups remain his primary strengths. Adi noted that the Prabowo administration has recently shown a tendency to embrace groups previously outside the power circle, including activists and democracy advocates. “There is indeed a tendency for this administration to embrace and involve off-sider parties, from activist circles, democracy advocates, and non-governmental groups, to make them part of efforts to build the nation,” Adi stated. In the context of industrial relations, Adi views Jumhur’s presence in the cabinet as an important communication channel amid growing worker discontent due to threats of layoffs (PHK) and global economic uncertainty. “With Mr Jumhur’s entry, it is actually important to trigger what stressing actions the government must take, especially to demonstrate its support for fellow workers, who have long been fighting for their fate,” he said. Adi also highlighted Jumhur’s emotional closeness to labour circles, which he believes is inseparable from his political style. This is evident from Jumhur’s commitment to personally lead tens of thousands of workers in May Day commemorations. “That is his political style that cannot be separated from Mr Jumhur, who indeed has penetration and emotionally has an extraordinary closeness with fellow workers,” Adi remarked. “If the communication space and bridging have already been built, what more is there to wait for? At minimum, a win-win solution that will emerge in the future,” he hoped. Previously, President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated several officials in a cabinet reshuffle on Monday (27/4/2026), including Jumhur Hidayat as Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency. Jumhur replaces the previous Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol, who was rotated to become Deputy Coordinating Minister for Food.