Jakarta. Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party politician Maruarar Sirait arrived at President-elect Prabowo Subianto's residence in Kertanegara, South Jakarta, on Monday in response to Prabowo’s summons. Several notable figures are believed to be meeting with Prabowo as potential candidates for ministerial positions in the upcoming administration.

Maruarar, commonly known as Ara, confirmed that his meeting with Prabowo was related to his possible appointment as one of the president’s ministers, though he did not reveal which ministry he might lead.

"The most important thing is to work very hard. I’ve been tasked with something that requires a lot of effort. Hopefully, it will benefit the people," Ara told reporters outside Prabowo's residence on Monday.

When asked if he was being considered for the Housing Ministry, Ara declined to provide a clear answer, saying that Prabowo would make the final announcement in due time.

"We’ve been given assignments, and we hope they will benefit many people. Mr. Prabowo will announce everything," Ara explained.

He also requested public support, hoping for a smooth transition and success in his potential future role. Ara acknowledged that being a minister would require strong collaboration with various stakeholders.

"Please pray for us to remain healthy, humble, and able to cooperate with all stakeholders—mayors, governors, other ministries, and our friends in the military and police—because our duty is to help the people of Indonesia," he added.

Maruarar Sirait was born on December 23, 1969, in Medan, North Sulawesi. He graduated from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Parahyangan University in Bandung, where he was active in the Indonesian Christian Student Movement (GMKI).

After graduation, Ara began his career close to his alma mater, serving as manager of the Parahyangan University Student Cooperative (KKBM). He also served as chief commissioner at renewable energy company Potenza Sinergi.

Ara's political career began in 1999 when he joined the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). He held several key positions within PDI-P, including Deputy Treasurer for West Java (1999-2000) and Treasurer of PDI-P's Central Executive Board (2000-2005).

Ara went on to serve three terms as a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) from 2004 to 2019 and was appointed Deputy Treasurer of PDI-P’s parliamentary faction. Although he failed to win a seat in the 2019 election, Ara joined Gerindra in 2024, marking a new chapter in his political career.

Other figures summoned by Prabowo included Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf, Golkar politician Nusron Wahid, State Secretary Pratikno, PAN politician Yandri Susanto, former Batang Regent Wihaji, Gerindra politicia Fadli Zon, PKB’s Abdul Kadir Karding, Democrat Party's Teuku Riefky Harsyam, and human rights activist Natalius Pigai. The meetings are believed to focus on the candidates' readiness to serve in ministerial roles.

Prabowo is expected to announce his cabinet shortly after his inauguration as Indonesia’s 8th president on Oct. 20. Reports suggest the cabinet will comprise 46 ministries, including 41 sectoral ministries and five coordinating ministries. 

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