Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Inauguration of Lido Special Economic Zone, Bogor Regency, West Java Province, March 31, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
After I went around earlier, this place is really an outstanding special economic zone. With future concepts, there will be a movieland, theme parks, techno parks, music areas, as well as automotive areas; we have everything here and I expect this place will divert people’s intention from going abroad for tourism.

I suppose this is good and if possible, it should be completed as soon as possible so that we can watch concerts like in Hollywood. Everything will be available here, everything. If you want to watch Coachella, it will be available. It will have everything. Back then, there was Woodstock. It has been prepared.

Journalist
What are your specific expectations about the impact of this place to the surrounding communities?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
In terms of employment, there will be jobs for more than 30 thousand people. More than 30 thousand people can work here. This is an enormous figure, while indirect impact is expected at four to five times.

Journalist
When can people start visiting the area?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Please ask the owner. As I said earlier, the sooner it is done the better since this place is something new for our country where all amusements can be enjoyed in one place.

Journalist
What are your messages to the U-20 national team players who are disappointed for not participating in the game, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I’m still waiting for Mr. Erick Thohir. I do not know whether last night he has arrived in Indonesia or not, if so I will invite him.

Journalist
Do you have plans to meet the U-20 national team players in person?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Not yet.

Journalist
What is your opinion on the two governors who have different views from you on Israel? Are you going to impose sanction on them?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
What was that?

Journalist
There are two governors whose views regarding Israel are different from yours. Are you going to impose sanction on them?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
This is a democratic country. The most important thing is not to mix things up. I said, please separate between politics and sports.

Journalist
Regarding FIFA’s sanctions, what is the Government’s anticipation, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We can find the answer after I meet (Head of Indonesian Football Association/PSSI) Mr. Erick.

Journalist
When do you plan to meet him?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I do not know whether or not he already arrived in Indonesia. He told me that once he is already in Indonesia, he will report to me immediately.

Journalist
Is it true that you already pick the candidate for Head of BNPT (National Counter-Terrorism Agency)?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes.

Journalist
The name, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I’ll tell you later.

Journalist
When is the inauguration, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Next week.

Journalist
Will the inauguration be held simultaneously with the Minister of Youth and Sports’ inauguration?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Next week.

Journalist
Is it a yes or no, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Next week.

(GWH/RAS/MUR)