The replacement of several cabinet members last week was simply an attempt made by President Joko Jokowi Widodo to strengthen his political position. Clearly, the President gave greater priority to power balance in choosing his new assistants.

Performance considerations were not apparent in the appointment of Idrus Marham as social affairs minister as well as Gen. (ret) Moeldoko as chief of the Presidential Staff and Gen. (ret) Agum Gumelar as a