Two books authored by several ministers serving in the Indonesia United Cabinet I from 2004 to 2009 were officially launched on Thursday, 10 October 2024, at the Jakarta Convention Center. The launch was attended by the former President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), and former Vice President, Jusuf Kalla (JK), who led the cabinet during that period.
The first book, launched by the Indonesia United Cabinet I Association, is titled “The Journey and Achievements of the Indonesia United Cabinet I (2004-2009).” The second book, published almost simultaneously by Kompas Book Publisher (PBK), is titled “Behind the Scenes of the Cabinet: Testimonies and Reflections on the Struggles of the Indonesia United Cabinet I Ministers.”
“The Journey and Achievements of the Indonesia United Cabinet I (2004-2009)” details the actions taken by the ministers of KIB I along with their achievements. The book shares experiences and impressions from various ministers before making decisions and policies that were not previously applied. Topics include the rise in fuel prices, efforts to adopt a humanitarian approach in conflict-ridden Papua, strengthening energy policy for economic recovery, and the implementation of cabotage principles in the maritime transport sector.
The KIB I ministers also wrote about their efforts in revitalizing local markets, implementing fertilizer subsidies, managing marine resources, and laying the foundations for technology, information, and communication. They emphasized the importance of culture alongside tourism, strengthening labor management systems, providing social assistance to refugees, rehabilitating inmates, and upholding human rights and intellectual property rights amidst challenges such as bird flu and swine flu outbreaks.
The second book, “Behind the Scenes of the Cabinet: Testimonies and Reflections on the Struggles of the Indonesia United Cabinet I,” recounts how the ministers chosen by SBY-JK began their hard work to address various issues amid the nation’s challenges following the economic and financial crisis of 1997-1998.
This book also narrates how the ministers trusted by SBY-JK during his leadership undertaking resolved numerous problems and difficulties in the political, legal, security, and social fields during a challenging time.
As President SBY stated in his speech regarding the book “The Journey and Achievements of the Indonesia United Cabinet I (2004-2009),” “With this book, at the very least, the people will know what we have done, including the efforts we made to address various national issues at that time. Amidst these challenging times, we were able to achieve various accomplishments that are certainly beneficial for the people of Indonesia.”
The Indonesia United Cabinet I was the first cabinet formed by President SBY and Vice President JK after winning the first direct election of the president and vice-president in 2004 under the 1945 Constitution.
The Indonesia United Cabinet I Association is a fellowship of former KIB I ministers from 2004 to 2009 who collectively applied their experiences to discuss and promote the advancement of the Indonesian nation, as well as the welfare and betterment of former KIB I ministers.
