JAKARTA - Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced a cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday, firing his trade minister and replacing him after a series of policy swerves on palm oil exports sparked controversy.
National Empowerment Party (PAN) leader and former forest minister Zulkifli Hasan has been sworn in as the country's new trade minister, among others.
His predecessor, Muhammad Lutfi, oversaw a policy to stem a surge in domestic edible oil prices, including a ban on palm oil exports from the world's largest exporter.
The three-week export ban sent shockwaves through global markets and led to a string of arrests for alleged corruption before it was lifted on May 23.
The president, known colloquially as Jokowi, said Zulkifli's "long track record" and "field experience" gave him the confidence to solve problems.
After his appointment, the new minister pledged to "resolve swiftly, in particular, issues related to the availability and affordability of cooking oil".
However, his appointment drew mixed reactions from analysts.
Bhima Yudhistira, director of the Centre for Economic and Legal Studies (CELIOS), said he was disappointed that the president responded to the coalition's needs rather than improving government performance.
"If Jokowi wants to leave a legacy, the most important thing is to appoint a trade minister with a professional background, and there are many options. Why elect a party leader?"
The Association of Traditional Market Traders (IKAPPI) congratulated the new minister and said he needed to address some complex issues.
