Between Shari‘ah-Oriented Politics and Modern Bureaucracy: The Case of the Zaken Cabinet in Indonesia

This study aims to examine the legal foundations for the formation of the Zaken Cabinet in Indonesia, investigate its establishment in the post-Reformation era, and analyze the extent of its independence and professionalism. Employing a normative legal research approach, this paper focuses on statutory analysis by utilizing primary legal materials such as legislation, alongside secondary sources including books, journals, and scholarly articles relevant to the research topic. Data were analyzed using content analysis in a narrative form. The findings indicate that the formation of the Zaken Cabinet is grounded in various legal instruments, including MPR Decree No. XI of 1998 on Clean Governance, MPR Decree No. VI of 2001 on National Ethics, Law No. 39 of 2008 in conjunction with Law No. 61 of 2024 on State Ministries, Law No. 20 of 2023 on State Civil Apparatus, and Government Regulation No. 11 of 2017 on Civil Service Management. Although the concept of a Zaken Cabinet—composed of experts, technocrats, and independent professionals—is implicitly acknowledged in these legal texts, its full implementation remains constrained. Indonesia's multiparty political system continues to dominate the ministerial appointment process, resulting in the persistence of spoils-based practices rather than the meritocratic principles mandated by civil service law. As a result, the aspiration for a fully independent and professional cabinet remains a challenge within the current political structure.