Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Meeting with TNI and Polri High-Ranking Officers, at the State Palace, Nusantara Capital, East Kalimantan Province, September 12, 2024

Journalists

In your briefing to TNI (the Indonesian National Defense Forces) and Polri (the Indonesian National Police) earlier, what was your expectation for them?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It concerned especially two main issues, [first,] the preparations ahead of the inauguration of the President-elect and the Vice President-elect and second, the Simultaneous Regional Head Elections in November. I have already ordered that political and social stability must be maintained, so that everything will run well, smoothly, and safely. I think I have given special emphasis on those two issues earlier.

Journalists

Sir, regarding the cyber force, will it be made into a separate defense force or what?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, it’s very good, because I see that other countries have made a start. I see that there are four countries that have started building their fourth defense force, namely their cyber force, and I think all countries will follow the path, including, I think … But let the new administration led by President-elect Prabowo Subianto decide on it later.

Journalists

Sir, yesterday the Minister of Communications and Informatics said that you are still suitable to serve as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council because you are too young to retire. What is your response, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I want to go home to Solo.

Journalists

After finishing your presidency, do you want to go home to Solo?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, I have told you that I want to go home to Solo. On the 20th [October], I will go back to Solo.

Journalists

What are your considerations for appointing Gus Ipul (Saifullah Yusuf) [as the new Minister of Social Affairs], sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Well, the scale of work. The scale of work in the Ministry of Social Affairs is very large and concerns the common people. If the Ministry is not specifically directed by a definitive person, its decisions will be different. It must be directed especially by someone who already has experience in the ministry and Gus Saifullah Yusuf was once a minister. I think it will be easier for him to … even though his tenure will last for only one and a half months, but it is important, right?

(TM/MMB)