Jokowi appoints loyalist to Cabinet, in reshuffle ahead of polls

Budi Arie Setiadi replaces former communications minister Johnny G. Plate. who is standing trial for corruption. - BUDI ARIE SETIADI/FACEBOOK

JAKARTA (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): President Joko Widodo on Monday (July 17) appointed a loyalist, Budi Arie Setiadi, as Indonesia’s new communications and information minister in a Cabinet reshuffle ahead of the 2024 general election.

Budi, previously deputy minister in the Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration Ministry, heads Projo, a volunteer organisation that has backed Widodo since 2014. He replaces former communications minister Johnny G. Plate, who is standing trial for corruption.