Jakarta. President-elect Prabowo Subianto hinted on Wednesday that several ministers from President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's administration will be part of his new cabinet, which will be announced following his inauguration on October 20.

Speaking at the BNI Investor Daily Summit in Jakarta, Prabowo shared that the selection process for his cabinet members is nearly complete, adding, “It turns out that many ministers from the current cabinet will be included.”

However, he emphasized that cabinet appointments are based on merit, specifically focusing on competence, determination, and the ability to work as a team, regardless of their previous affiliations.

“Like in a football team, players are chosen for their skills, not for who their parents are,” he said.

Reports suggest that Prabowo plans to expand the cabinet from the current 34 ministries and state agencies to 44. The House of Representatives has already prepared for this by increasing the number of commissions to 13.

During the summit, co-hosted by state-owned bank BNI and media company B-Universe Media Holdings, Prabowo reiterated the importance of national unity.

“We are a diverse nation, with a rich mix of religions, races, ethnicities, and hundreds of dialects that have coexisted for centuries, and yet we live in harmony,” Prabowo said.

Prabowo is currently the defense minister in the Jokowi cabinet.