Palace Clarifies Minahasa Regent’s Presence

Deputy of Protocol, Press, and Media of Presidential Secretariat Bey Machmudin on his press statement, Jakarta, Monday (21/10). (Photo by: Jay/PR)

The presence of South Minahasa Regent Christiany Eugenia Tetty Paruntu on Monday (21/10) at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, has sparked speculation among press regarding the upcoming Cabinet lineup of President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo.

Responding to this matter, Deputy of Protocol, Press, and Media of Presidential Secretariat Bey Machmudin clarified that President Jokowi did call several ministerial candidates, including Mahfud MD and Airlangga Hartarto.

“However, she (Tetty) was waiting inside (the Palace) for Airlangga and after meeting with him, she immediately left the Palace through the side entrance,” Bey said, adding that Tetty did not meet with the President.

“President Jokowi only met Mahfud, Nadiem, Wishnutama, Erick Thohir and Airlangga,” Bey added.

Asked by reporters whether Tetty was invited to the Palace, Bey answered the question diplomatically, saying that Tety did indeed meet with Airlangga and left the Palace immediately.  (HIM/JAY/ES)

Translated by: Galuh Wicaksono
Edited by: Muhammad Ersan Pamungkas