The upcoming administration plans to split the Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry to form a separate Cooperatives Ministry and SMEs Ministry, he said.
"Earlier in the morning, I spoke with Mr. Budi Arie who will be assigned to the cooperatives minister role. I also already spoke with Mr. Maman (Abdurrahman) who will serve as the minister of SMEs a few days before," he told reporters at his office in Jakarta on Thursday.
He then underlined his commitment to providing full support to the two ministerial candidates.
He expressed the hope that the two new ministries will work in synergy, considering that cooperatives have proven to be effective in uniting and strengthening business actors, particularly those running micro enterprises.
The minister said that he is planning to brief the two minister-designates on the issues and problems commonly faced by Indonesian cooperatives and micro, small, and medium enterprises during the handover ceremony.
Reports have been circulating that the incoming government led by Prabowo and Gibran Rakabuming Raka will have as many as 46 ministries, much higher than the current 34.
Under Prabowo's leadership, the Indonesian government is likely to split several existing ministries to establish standalone ones such as the Public Works Ministry, Public Housing Ministry, Tourism Ministry, Creative Economy Ministry, Law Ministry, and Human Rights Ministry.
A number of brand new ministries will also be set up over the next five years, including the Coordinating Ministry for Community Affairs, Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, and Ministry of Population and Family Development.
Related news: Indonesia's deputy minister-designates briefed by Prabowo
Related news: Budget use must be on-target: Prabowo to ministerial candidates
Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
