Jakarta. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo officially appointed Saifullah Yusuf, better known by his nickname Gus Ipul, as the new social affairs minister on Wednesday.

Jokowi held another cabinet shake-up to find a replacement for Former Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini who decided to resign to focus on the East Java elections. Prior to the inauguration, Gus Ipul was the mayor of East Java’s Pasuruan. He is also the secretary-general of the Nahdlatul Ulama’s executive board -- the country’s largest Islamic organization.

“As of today, I have decided to resign from my post as the Pasuruan mayor,” Gus Ipul told the press shortly after his inauguration ceremony at the Presidential Palace.

The cabinet reshuffle took place in less than 40 days before Jokowi’s presidential term ended. After Risma’s resignation, Chief Cultural Affairs Minister Muhadjir Effendy temporarily took over her role as an acting social affairs minister. Gus Ipul revealed that he would consult with both Risma and Muhadjir this week on his plans.

“We would need 1-2 days. We would speak with Mr. Muhadjir and afterward, I plan on revealing what we [the ministry] plan on doing with the remaining time,” Gus Ipul said.

He said that he had yet to consult with Jokowi on the upcoming programs. Gus Ipul said that Jokowi had entrusted the ministerial role so he could help contribute to the government transition. Jokowi’s successor Prabowo Subianto will soon assume office on Oct. 20. Gus Ipul admitted that he did not expect Jokowi would approach him. Gus Ipul also claimed that “there is no guarantee” he would remain the social affairs minister in Prabowo’s upcoming cabinet. 

“We will focus on helping the government in the remaining presidential term as instructed by the president,” Gus Ipul said.

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