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Indonesia President-elected Jokowi could keep Mari Elka Pangestu as Minister of tourism

The future elected President of Indonesia Joko Widodo could reconduct Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of the incumbent administration of outgoing president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono into her function according to an online survey favourable to her.

JAKARTA – It could look like a social media game. But it is serious. The future new President of Indonesia Joko Widodo -nicknamed Jokowi- is looking at asking the public opinion about the future members of his government through social media. The new President was in fact largely supported during his campaign by social media which certainly played a major role in his victory. 
 
Before he is sworn as a President on October 20 and present his future cabinet, Mr. Widodo published on his website an online poll called “People’s Choice for an Alternative Cabinet”. 
 
Amid rumors and media speculation about his Cabinet choices after he is sworn in as president on Oct. 20, Jokowi and his team have produced an online poll called “People’s Choice for an Alternative Cabinet” published on jokowicenter.com.
 
Although the website reminds his readers that the selection of a minister remains a prerogative of the President, it also indicates that people are free to also express their opinion. Three candidates were proposed for each of 34 ministerial posts. When asked about the poll, Jokowi declared last Thursday to Indonesian media: “I just want to gather the public’s views. That’s okay, isn’t it? Up to this point, we have not talked about who will fill which position. Once again, this is only to seek input from the people.
 
Interestingly, from the outgoing cabinet of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, one of the favourites is Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu
 
She had been a very successful minister during the tenure of SBY. In the last five years, total foreign tourist arrivals from 6.3 million in 2009 to 8.6 million last year. And the Minister has now an eye on the mark of 10 million annual arrivals, likely to be reached by 2015 or 2016. Certainly a good asset for her credentials! 

 

Photo caption: Mari Elka Pangestu
 
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Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.

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