Magelang, Oct 26 — Ministers of the Merah Putih Cabinet participated in a two-day retreat at the Military Academy in Magelang. The retreat, aimed at aligning vision, reinforcing discipline, and fostering unity among cabinet members, was well received as it involved both physical activities and crucial government management insights.
Aligning Vision and Building Cohesion
Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, shared that the retreat provided an excellent opportunity to unify the cabinet’s vision and enhance solidarity within the government.
“Alhamdulillah, this is a wonderful initiative to align our vision, strengthen unity, and make our mission easier to achieve. We need this type of shared movement, starting with physical activities, followed by unity in thought and purpose,” Nasaruddin Umar stated.
Embracing Discipline and Responsibility
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, appreciated the retreat’s emphasis on discipline, despite having to adjust to a strict early-morning schedule.
“Waking up early was challenging. I usually sleep at 2 AM, wake up at 5 AM, then go back to sleep and get up at 7. But here, we went to bed at 2 and were up by 4, which is a good lesson in discipline. Regardless of how much sleep we get, when duty calls, we have to be ready,” Bahlil laughed.
Synchronizing Rhythm and Teamwork
Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, viewed the retreat as an effective way to align the Merah Putih Cabinet’s work rhythm. The experience of tent camping and marching drills, he said, helped strengthen interpersonal bonds.
“This experience is very positive. It’s an effective way for us to synchronize our steps and rhythm as a cabinet. Many of us aren’t used to camping or waking up at 4 AM for drills and exercise, but it also included essential government management topics. Building this human connection and camaraderie is crucial, which aligns with the President’s goal for the Merah Putih Cabinet to move quickly and work effectively,” Dito explained.
Strengthening Team Spirit and Togetherness
Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, noted that the retreat fostered a strong sense of unity and cooperation among cabinet members, which he expects will have a lasting positive impact on the cabinet’s future performance.
“These two days were truly extraordinary. The camaraderie among the Merah Putih Cabinet members was inspiring. We encouraged each other, worked, ate, and received briefings together. It was amazing to see the enthusiasm, learning, and, most importantly, the unity among my cabinet colleagues,” Prasetyo Hadi said.
Fostering Collaboration and Loyalty to the Nation
Newly appointed Chief of Staff Anto Mukti Putranto appreciated the chance to get to know his colleagues more personally, strengthening relationships within the cabinet. He expressed gratitude to President Prabowo for the trust placed in him.
“On the first day, we were still getting to know each other, and it was a bit overwhelming for me as a new member. But I am grateful to the President for entrusting me with the role of Chief of Staff. I hope to contribute meaningfully to maintaining the integrity of the Merah Putih Cabinet as we work for the nation over the next five years,” Anto remarked.
Building Synergy Through Physical Training and Unity
Stella Christie, Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Science, and Research, emphasized the importance of teamwork taught through shared activities. She noted that the exercises helped the cabinet learn to move in harmony, which will benefit their future work.
“I feel very inspired by the President’s directive to focus on teamwork. Exercising and living together is an effective way to build that teamwork. Marching together teaches us to move in sync, and this experience will serve as a reminder to stay in rhythm as we work together in the future,” Stella Christie shared.
The retreat at Magelang’s Military Academy not only reinforced discipline and aligned the vision of the cabinet ministers but also strengthened their unity and synergy. The ministers expressed appreciation for this event, which they believe will expedite government operations in line with the President’s directives. This retreat serves as a strong foundational step for the Merah Putih Cabinet in achieving national development goals. (A)