State Secretary Hints Said Iqbal May Join Red and White Cabinet

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has given a strong signal regarding the potential inclusion of Indonesian Trade Union Confederation President and Labour Party President Said Iqbal in the Red and White Cabinet. When met at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Thursday (4/6), Prasetyo confirmed that Iqbal’s name is under serious discussion for a strategic position in President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. “We are currently discussing it,” Prasetyo said briefly when answering media questions about Iqbal’s possible cabinet appointment. Prasetyo hinted that the position being prepared for Iqbal would align closely with his track record and advocacy focus, namely the labour and manpower sector. Iqbal’s presence is expected to bridge the government and workers’ groups. “Yes, it is likely related to his struggle so far. Labour, manpower,” Prasetyo added. However, he stressed that the details of the post still await a final decision. “Wait, it is still being discussed.” Aside from the issue of Said Iqbal, the State Secretary also revealed that the Palace is preparing to inaugurate the new head of the National Nutrition Agency on Monday (8/6). This move follows a leadership vacancy at the institution after the previous official ran into legal trouble. Regarding whether Said Iqbal would be inaugurated together with the agency’s head on Monday, Prasetyo was still reluctant to give a definite answer. He asked the public to wait for further official information. “For effectiveness, we are planning it for the same day (as the presentation of credentials for ambassadors). Wait for information,” he concluded.