He was inaugurated as the social affairs minister by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) just a month ago.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Saifullah Yusuf is likely to retain his post as social affairs minister in the government of President-elect Prabowo Subianto.

"Basically, President (elect) Prabowo wants all programs in the Ministry of Social Affairs to be right on target, so data consolidation is very much needed," Yusuf said after he was summoned by Prabowo for a closed meeting at his residence in Kertanegara IV, Jakarta, on Monday.

Although he did not seem willing to reveal it directly, chatter of him retaining his post has been circulating in the media of late.

According to Yusuf, during the meeting, Prabowo asked him, who is also serving as the Nahdlatul Ulama's secretary general, about his readiness to join the next Cabinet.

The President-elect also sought data on social assistance as well as other significant materials to ensure that the social program will be on target.

"(I am) ready. Basically, we respect, appreciate, and support everything that Mr. Prabowo needs," Yusuf said, signaling his readiness to be a part of the Prabowo government.

He was inaugurated as the social affairs minister by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) just a month ago.

He took over the post from Tri Rismaharini, who is currently running in the regional election.

Besides Yusuf, Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Minister, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY); Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan; and Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia were also summoned to Prabowo's residence on Monday.

Several ministers in President Widodo's administration, including Home Minister Tito Karnavian, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, Raja Juli Antoni, as well as State Secretary Pratikno were also seen visiting Prabowo.

Many other politicians and professionals also met with Prabowo, including Prasetyo Hadi, Sugiono, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Natalius Pigai, Yandri Susanto, Fadli Zon, Nusron Wahid, Saefullah Yusuf, Maruarar Sirait, Abdul Kadir Karding, Wihaji, and Teuku Riefky Harsya.

They further included Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, Yassierli, Satryo Soemantri, Abdul Mu'ti, Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, Maman Abdurrahman, and Police Commissioner General Agus Andrianto.

Meanwhile, Abdul Mu'ti, the current Muhammadiyah general secretary, was explicitly asked to be Minister of Primary and Secondary Education by Prabowo.

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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Genta Tenri M., Yashinta Difa
Editor: Arie Novarina
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