Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after the Soccer Match between the Indonesian National Team and Brunei Darussalam Team, at Bung Karno Sports Stadium, Jakarta Special Capital Region, October 12, 2023

Journalists

How was the match, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The score was six nil [to Indonesia].

Journalists

How did the match go on, Sir? Wasn’t it exciting, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, it’s so exciting and very exhilarating because of the score which was six nil. And, we will be competing in Brunei, on what date?

PSSI (the Indonesian Football Association) Chairperson (Erick Thohir)

On [October] 17, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

So, I think this is a good start.

Journalists

Sir, is there a best player tonight in your opinion? In your opinion, who is the best player tonight, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Everyone is good, and so is the team work. But in the second half, I think Ramadhan Sananta’s entry changed the pattern of the game a little.

Journalists

Do you have any suggestions, Sir, for the national team?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

No. I think they are already good as long as they keep improving their performance.

Journalists

Excuse us Mr. President. Mr. Luhut (the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment) is currently receiving recovery treatment in Singapore. Do you keep monitoring Mr. Luhut’s current condition? How is he now?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, Mr. Erick (the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises) now serves as the acting Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, so there is no problem concerning who will carry out Mr. Luhut’s daily responsibilities. But let’s pray that Mr. Luhut will heal and recover soon.

Journalists

What about Mr. Andi Widjajanto, Sir? What about his position as a member of the victory team?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, we have approved it, we have approved it.

Journalists

Does it mean that he is already granted permission? Is that right, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

That’s it. Mr. Minister of State Secretary will check the regulations and will take charge of the technical matters [concerning this issue], like whether he has to take leave or whether he has to resign.

Journalists

Is he permitted, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

If I had to decide, I would permit him.

(TM/MUR)