Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Meeting with Heads of State Institutions, at the State Palace, Jakarta, August 12, 2022

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We have just had a meeting and we were discussing more than two and a half hours, particularly about global crises, related to the food crisis, energy crisis, and also financial crisis. We were sharing thoughts on our domestic issues related to food, energy, and also finance.

Second, it’s been a while we have not met due to COVID-19. So, prior to the independence day, we had a meeting to discuss the issues that I have just mentioned earlier. I think that is all.

Reporter

Another issue, Sir.

Sir, yesterday you gave greenlight to Prabowo Subianto and Ganjar Pranowo to run for presidential candidates. What is your response, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Well, they told me their intention, so why should I say “no”. That is not how it should be. This is our democracy. If a minister comes to me to convey their intention [to run for a presidential candidate], it is impossible for me to say “no, you cannot”.

They can go ahead. If that is interpreted as a blessing, go ahead.

Reporter

Sir, yesterday, Chief of the National Police named FS as the new suspect in the case that you ordered to be revealed, Sir. What is your response, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Ask the National Police Chief, I have often commented about that. Ask the National Police Chief, because everything is already clear.

Reporter

But yesterday, you asked for it to be revealed, but the motive has not been revealed until now. Is there any urgency, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

You can ask the National Police Chief, because everything is already clear.

Reporter

Sir, regarding subsidies. You said that you have spoken with the Speakers… (inaudible), especially with the Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR). Maybe this year we can hold on … (inaudible). What do you think about the anticipation for next year, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The amount of our energy subsidies is indeed too large. You may not find other countries that give subsidies up to Rp502 trillion. It is because we have to push down the prices of Pertalite gasoline, gas, electricity, including Pertamax gasoline. It is a very large amount. However, can we maintain this figure of Rp502 trillion? Alhamdulillah if it is possible, it is good, it means that the people are not burdened. But what if the state budget cannot afford it? In other countries, the fuel price has reached Rp17,000, Rp18,000, everything has doubled. That is the economic price.

So, we told the Heads about the facts, the amounts. If we still have state income from commodities, then it is still good, we will carry on, but what if we don’t?

Reporter

Sir, how about the replacement of the Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform? It has been a few days, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Not yet.

Reporter

Do you have the candidates already, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, so many.

(AW/MUR)