PKS Says Cabinet Recruitment Need Not Be from Parties, PAN Highlights Aspirations

The Chairman of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) Election Winning Body (Bappilu), Mardani Ali Sera, supports President Prabowo Subianto if he recruits new people into his cabinet based on strong capacity, not necessarily from political parties. PAN spoke about the importance of aspirations from academics and the public.

PAN Deputy Chairman Saleh Partaonan Daulay said PAN Chairman Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) stressed that his cadres must prioritise performance. He mentioned that aspirations are certainly also a priority element in determining someone to join the cabinet.

“Internally within the party, Bang Zulhas always reminds all cadres. No one should be negligent. The current opportunity is to work serving the community. It must be utilised to the fullest,” Saleh told reporters on Monday (10/8/2026).

“Regarding the reshuffle, we will just wait for the views of academics, observers, and the public. Who knows, they might be accommodated and used as a reference. So all elements are heard and participate,” he added.

Saleh then stressed that the decision is the president’s prerogative right. The president, he said, has the right to carry out a reshuffle in all its forms.

“A reshuffle can add or reduce, fill vacancies, rotate, and so on. The one who knows those needs is the president. Therefore, that right is given to him,” he said.

Furthermore, Saleh said PAN does not want to interfere with the president’s constitutional authority. In essence, he said PAN will certainly continue to assist the government.

Previously, rumours circulated about a cabinet reshuffle by President Prabowo Subianto after the upcoming 17th of August. A number of political party officials and the Palace responded to the issue.

Information gathered on Saturday (8/8/2026) mentioned the reshuffle would be carried out after 17 August 2026. Rumours suggest this cabinet shake-up is minor in nature, merely filling currently vacant positions.

PKS’s Statement

PKS Election Winning Body (Bappilu) Chairman Mardani Ali Sera responded to the issue of a cabinet refresh or reshuffle after 17 August. Mardani supports President Prabowo Subianto if he wants to recruit new people into the cabinet with strong capacity.

“I haven’t received any news yet. The point is it’s the President’s prerogative right. But the merit system needs to be a consideration,” Mardani told reporters on Sunday (9/8/2026).

Mardani said there needs to be bureaucratic reform in the government. He mentioned President Prabowo has a heavy task, considering the results of several recent surveys which assessed the government’s performance as not yet optimal.

“Plus, bureaucratic reform needs to be implemented. Lean structure but rich in function. President Prabowo has a heavy task. In several surveys, the level of public satisfaction has dropped,” he said.

This member of House Commission II supports the government if it wants to recruit new people into the Red and White Cabinet. Mardani noted the priority should be someone with integrity, not necessarily fixated on people from political parties.

“It’s 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 quality sons and daughters of the nation,” he said.