Rizal Ramli Vows To Remain Critical

Jakarta (Antara Bali) -- Newly-inducted Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Rizal Ramli has vowed to remain critical despite being part of the government.

"Do you know how I am?" he remarked shortly after being inaugurated by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo at the State Palace on Wednesday.

Ramli said that President Jokowi had told him several times to hold a discussion before he was appointed as the coordinating minister for maritime affairs on Wednesday morning.

The former coordinating minister for economic affairs, who was the finance and industry minister during the term of former president Abdurrahman Wahid, replaced Indroyono Soesilo.

Ramli pointed out that earlier, he was doubtful about accepting the post of the coordinating minister and joining the working cabinet of President Jokowi.

"Previously, I was doubtful about accepting the position. But I was moved by the way President Jokowi asked me to join (the cabinet). I then decided to accept it. It is not Jokowi but Indonesian people who urged me to accept the post as we are in a difficult situation," he remarked.

Realizing that Indonesia has huge maritime potential and is located strategically, he affirmed that he will focus on improving infrastructure and boosting investment, particularly outside Java.

"We must benefit from the maritime sector in terms of economy and trade," he added.

Furthermore, Ramli emphasized that the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs must be changed into the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Resources because it oversees the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, the Transportation Ministry, and the Tourism Ministry. (WDY)