Gojek founder gets additional duties in Indonesian Cabinet revamp

Details:

• President Joko Widodo – also known as Jokowi – announced that Indonesia’s education and culture ministry, which Makarim currently heads, will be merged with the country’s research and technology department.
• In a press conference, Makarim said he has “big hopes” that the new ministry can “increase the quality of research and innovation” at Indonesian universities.

Context:

• The expansion of the Gojek founder’s duties was part of a cabinet revamp by Jokowi. This comes after the Indonesian parliament approved his plan to reorganize several agencies and to create a new investment ministry, which will led by Bahlil Lahadalia, head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).
• In October 2019, Makarim accepted Jokowi’s appointment and stepped down as CEO of the Indonesia super app.