President Jokowi inducts Saifullah Yusuf as Social Affairs Minister

On Wednesday, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) appointed Saifullah Yusuf as Indonesia’s new Social Affairs Minister. This change comes after Tri Rismaharini stepped down to campaign in the 2024 local elections. The inauguration of Yusuf, who is widely known as Gus Ipul, took place at Jakarta’s State Palace.

Yusuf, who will hold the position for just over a month before Prabowo Subianto’s presidency begins on October 20, 2024, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He previously served as the mayor of Pasuruan in East Java from 2021 and was the deputy governor of East Java from 2009 to 2019. His past roles also include serving as the state minister for the development of disadvantaged regions from 2004 to 2007 under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

A prominent figure in Indonesian politics, Yusuf has been affiliated with the National Awakening Party (PKB) since 2001 and was previously a member of parliament with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and again with PKB. He is also associated with Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), one of Indonesia’s largest Muslim organizations, where he served as secretary general. He is the nephew of former Indonesian president and NU chief Abdurrahman Wahid.

In addition to Yusuf’s appointment, President Widodo also announced Inspector General Eddy Hartono as the new Chief of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) and Aida Suwandi Budiman as a commissioner of the Indonesian Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).

• Background on Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul): An overview of Yusuf’s political career, including his previous roles as the mayor of Pasuruan and deputy governor of East Java. This might include insights into his achievements and contributions in these positions.
• Impact of Yusuf’s Appointment: Analysis of how Saifullah Yusuf’s appointment might affect the Ministry of Social Affairs, especially in the context of upcoming local elections and the transition to Prabowo Subianto’s presidency.
• Tri Rismaharini’s Resignation: Details about Tri Rismaharini’s decision to resign and run for local elections, including her achievements and challenges as Social Affairs Minister.
• Prabowo Subianto’s Incoming Presidency: Discussions on Prabowo Subianto’s plans and policies as he prepares to take office on October 20, 2024, and what changes might be expected in the government.
• Inspector General Eddy Hartono’s Appointment: Information about Eddy Hartono’s background and what his new role as Chief of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) entails.
• Aida Suwandi Budiman’s Role in the LPS: Insights into Aida Suwandi Budiman’s background and her responsibilities as a commissioner of the Indonesian Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).
• Political Dynamics in Indonesia: An exploration of the current political landscape in Indonesia, including the role of major political parties and influential figures like Nahdlatul Ulama.