Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Inspecting Sarinah Shopping Mall, Jakarta Province, May 5, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I have inspected and asked market vendors regarding their sales volume during Ramadan and before Eid al-Fitr. Are they experienced an increase or a decrease in sales volume? They all told me that some of them experienced sales volume of 80 percent. Some vendors experienced an increase of 60 or 50 percent but in general the sales volume has increased. It’s a good thing that our projection on a significant hike in money circulation ahead of Eid and during Eid holidays was realized. Based on our estimation, there are Rp230 trillion [money circulated during that period].

Journalist
Are you going to visit Lampung tomorrow, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Pardon?

Journalist
I heard you’re going tovisit Lampung tomorrow, is it true?

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

Journalist
I heard that the damaged roads in Lampung that went viral are being rehabilitated since you will come.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Is a good thing, right?

Journalist
But why the rehabilitation takes place only when you have a plan to visit the area?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Look, the Government had just collected information regarding roads at regencies and municipalities; which provincial roads are damaged. Only few of regional budget in provinces, regencies/municipalities that are allocated for infrastructure development though the sector is very important. Therefore, once the road damages, especially agricultural road, it will hamper [transportation of] commodities, mobility of people and goods, and it will also increase logistic prices. Consequently, goods from this region cannot compete with those of other regions, provinces, and countries. We all should understand about the urgency of infrastructure.
Tomorrow, I want to directly see and confirm the validity of the video [that went viral].

Journalist
When will you head to Lampung tomorrow?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Early in the morning.

Journalist
Sir, I will ask about politics matter. Why did not you invite the Nasdem Party to the meeting several days ago?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, they are not invited.

Journalist
But why?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I will tell the fact that we have a coalition. On the last meeting, the coalition of political parties met and wanted to build political cooperation. We shared one big strategy. We don’t need to reveal it here. Thus, it is normal in politics. I am a public official and political official at the same time.

I am allowed to talk about politics and I’m also allowed to talk about public services since it is the duty of the President. And I will follow decision of the General Elections Commission (KPU).

Journalist
Did you talked about Ganjar-Prabowo pairing?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We discussed many things for three hours.

Journalist
What’s the detail Sir? The grand coalition?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We discussed many things not only the coalition. We talked about everything, particularly those related to future politics and challenges for this country. Everything. It requires strong national leadership that gained trust from the people, international community, and investors.

Journalist
Sir, there is rumor circulated that Prabowo and Gibran are set as a pair.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I also heard about that. First, it’s the age. Second, it’s been only two years since [Gibran] serves as the mayor. Please think logically.

Journalist
Sir, on ASEAN Summit, what is your expectation on the strengthening of ASEAN from the Summit? In which sector?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We’re all aware that ASEAN has a huge potential. With population of 650 million, ASEAN economy always grows above global average. Many goods are manufactured by ASEAN member countries. We want to synergize this kind of potential so that the region can be production centers that can utilize the potential we have, for example EV batteries, electric vehicles, and products that have high competitiveness compared to those from other countries. So, our focus will be on making ASEAN the epicentrum of growth. That is our goal.

Journalist
Sir, regarding 20 Indonesian citizens were held captive in Myanmar? What is the progress?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been establishing communication with Myanmar to release our citizens since this is a scam and they are taken to the place without their consent. We are now trying to bring them back, and evacuate them from Myanmar. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs is trying to evacuate them.

Journalist
Sir, many think inviting leaders of political parties in the palace is an act of meddling. What do you think?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
What do you mean? It’s not meddling; we only have discussion. Discussion. I told you earlier that I am a political official but I’m not meddling with their matter. The matter of presidential election is the authority of party or coalition of party. I have told you earlier.

On the other hand, if they are allowed to invite me, I am also allowed to invite them. Am I violating the constitutions? I don’t think so. Please understand that I am a public official and political official.

(RAS/LW)