Indonesia's president Joko Widodo. - AFP
JAKARTA: Indonesian President Joko Widodo will appoint a new cabinet on Wednesday, replacing at least his energy minister in the second cabinet reshuffle in less than two years, sources told Reuters.
Widodo will inaugurate his new cabinet at 1:30 p.m. (0630 GMT), according to an official invitation to the event seen by Reuters, although the announcement may come sooner.
Financial markets in Southeast Asia's largest economy rose in morning trade, with stocks up more than 1 percent and the rupiah strengthening 0.3 percent against the dollar.
"A new cabinet will be announced soon. The people's support is very important to the success of the government," the president said on Twitter. He did not say which ministers will be involved in the reshuffle.
Energy and mining minister Sudirman Said is expected to be among those replaced, sources close to the minister told Reuters.
Asked whether Said would be replaced, a source, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue, said: "Yes, correct".
A second source close to the minister confirmed that he would be part of the expected reshuffle.
Said could not be reached for comment, but said on Twitter late Tuesday: "The big job is over. Let's never tire of loving Indonesia." The reshuffle comes nearly a year after Widodo replaced key members of his economics team in an effort to boost investor confidence over a flagging economy.
A year on, analysts say this week's reshuffle is likely to be politically motivated as Widodo seeks to consolidate support from parties that have been keen to join the ruling coalition.
"There is the need to acknowledge the support of parties like Golkar which have thrown their weight behind his government," said Keith Loveard of Jakarta-based Concord Consulting, referring to Indonesia's second biggest political party.
"Assuming his choices are good ones the public will accept this as part of fine-tuning and a normal part of the political process," he added. - Reuters
Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.
